Ultra Rare "Blue Bee" Found in Florida, After Researchers Thought It Might Be Extinct

Beautiful, metallic-blue bee is one of many amazing native bee species that could be lost forever if action is not taken to preserve their habitat. Like Hamlet, the Calamintha Bee might have wondered whether or not it will survive or die from extinction. It's a fact these rare bees have to endure the metaphorical "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" from the insidious effects of habitat loss and lethal pesticides.

Surviving in a disappearing ecosystem: While finding a blue calamintha has reassured scientists that the bee is still present despite the impact humans have had on their environment, there is still little known about the species' behavior, biology, and habitat needs. Kimmel and his adviser, Jaret Daniels, are currently working on a two-year research project to determine the blue calamintha bee's current population and the species' nesting and feeding habits.