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.

Blue calamintha bees are endemic to Florida, and have only been found in scrub habitat in the Lake Wales Ridge -- one of the nation's fastest-disappearing ecosystems. "It's one thing to read about habitat loss and development and another to be driving for 30-40 minutes through miles of orange groves just to get to a really small conservation site," Kimmel said. "It puts into perspective how much habitat loss affects all the animals that live in this area." Part of the pair's project, funded by a grant administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will help determine whether blue calaminthas qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act. A solitary native bee, the blue calamintha does not live in a large colony. Each female builds a nest, and does not care for its young. The project will also allow scientists to learn more about the bee's nesting habits and preferences, none of which is currently known to scientists.