USDA Scientists Discover Rare Bee in Northern Wisconsin Forest

Scientists are touting the discovery of a rare bee in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest of northern Wisconsin.  The U-S-D-A Forest Service researchers found the Epeolodies pilosulus bee while conducting a bee inventory in Lakewood.  Three of the so-called Cuckoo bees were captured last month at Chickadee Barrens.  All three bees were netted off black-eyed Susan plants blooming along roadsides within the forest.  The last confirmed record of the bee in Wisconsin dates back to 1910 in Dane County.  The rare bees collect floral oils and pollens from the yellow loosestrife family.