The Megachile (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) of Montana and checklist of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) from the southern Wolf Mountains, Montana and Wyoming

Abstract

Wild bees are a diverse group of important pollinators, yet several aspects of their biology remain understudied. In particular, baseline data on the diversity and geographic ranges of wild bees is not available for much of Montana. These baseline faunistic data are the first step to understanding the regional biodiversity of bees and to eventually assess their conservation status. We conducted faunal surveys of the genus Megachile in Montana and the bees of the southern Wolf Mountains. Specimens from collecting trips in 2019-2020, historic museum specimens, research collections, and published data records comprise the foundation for the inventory of Montana's Megachile species. We documented 35 species of Megachile in Montana based on 4,968 specimens and present an illustrated identification key and county distribution maps. In the Wolf Mountains, we documented 138 bee species from 4,996 specimens collected on trips in 2019-2020 in Montana and Wyoming. These two studies contribute eight new state records and add important data to the growing list of bee species in Montana.