FATAL ATTRACTION OF CERTAIN LARGE-BODIED NATIVE BEES TO HONEY-BEE COLONIES

Two species of large-bodied native bees (Bombus sonorus and Xylocopa c alifornica) were found to be attracted to honey bee colonies placed in the native bees' local environment. The bumble bees and carpenter bee s were attacked en masse by the honey bees and killed. A total of 147 worker bumble bees and 5 female carpenter bees were collected in dead bee traps attached to the front of the honey bee colonies. Thus the pr esence of honey bee colonies can negatively impact native bee populati ons by weakening colonies to a vulnerable point or by eliminating pote ntial reproductives.