Wv-esfo-bumble Bee Study *SOLE SOURCE* RFP

Description: The rusty patched bumble bee was listed as an endangered species in 2017 due to an estimated 90% reduction in their historic range. Bumblebee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) conservation requires knowledge of nesting densities, but this aspect of their life history is poorly understood. There are no studies documenting the nest abundance or density of the rusty-patched bumble bee; as such, the USFWS has been applying the nest abundance of a related European bumble bee species when making consultation and management decisions regarding the RPBB. However, research shows that, in general, bumble bee nest abundance varies significantly between species and in habitat types. Furthermore, previous observations suggest that there are differences in RPBB nesting habitat, bee density, and nest abundance across the range of the species. See attached file.