D3356: Wild bee utilization of milkweed species in Nebraska

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) are important for many organisms. Many specialist insects require milkweed at some point in their life. Monarch caterpillars are reliant on them as one of their only food sources. This makes milkweed essential in the conservation of monarchs. One approach for monarch conservation is ‘all hands on deck’ that states that 1.3 billion stems of milkweed will need to be planted across the Midwest by all sectors of society. Overall, this has led to an increase in the amount of milkweed planted across the country. Milkweed flowers are long lived and produce copious amounts of nectar. This would make milkweed a valuable resource for bees that rely on nectar. Many wild bee species are also known to be declining. Fewer bee species are being reported. To increase the value of milkweed for conservation, bee surveys were conducted at milkweed patches. Surveys were conducted at Asclepias incarnata, A. tuberosa, A. syriaca, and A. verticillata patches. Surveys were conducted at urban and rural sites across eastern Nebraska. Surveys will help us understand what local bees are commonly utilizing milkweed and if any species of concern are utilizing milkweed.