Bombus dahlbomii bumblebee recognized as invertebrate of the year

The giant ginger bumblebee, Bombus dahlbomii, known as the moscardón, has been recognized as an invertebrate of the year. Found in the temperate forests of Patagonia across Argentina and Chile, this species is the largest of approximately 250 bumblebee species, with females measuring up to 4cm in length.

As a vital pollinator for native plants like the Peruvian lily and the Chilean bellflower, the moscardón plays a critical role in its ecosystem. Notably, it possesses a unique receptor system that allows it to detect the color red, enabling it to pollinate flowers that most other bees avoid.

However, the species faces significant threats from human activity. Populations have declined rapidly due to the introduction of non-native European bumblebees, such as the ruderal and buff-tailed species, which were brought to Chile in the 1980s for commercial agriculture. These invasive bees outcompete the native moscardón and introduce novel pathogens and diseases. Additionally, these invasive species facilitate the spread of non-native European plants like broom throughout the region.