Pollinator Field Sampling and Laboratory Techniques

Target Audience:  

Field biologists performing pollinator surveys and/or managing pollinator habitats.  

Summary and Objectives:  

This field-based course provides a general overview of pollinator survey techniques. Participants will learn various field collection methods and data requirements and will practice field skills, such as bowl trapping and hand-netting, and appropriate specimen preparation protocols. The course also will explore bee classifications, limitations of current native bee data, and native plant pairings with certain taxa and specialists. The goal is to prepare biologists performing pollinator surveys to efficiently collect high quality data and specimens.  

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:  

• Collect bees and other pollinators using passive bowl trapping and active hand-netting; demonstrate these techniques for colleagues in the field. 
• Use standardized data sheets and data collection methods for pollinator surveys. 
• Prepare and label specimens according to standards adopted by the USFWS/USGS. 
• Understand and implement the requirements for samples to be sent to lab for processing and identification. 
• Understand the value of generalist and specialist pollinators to habitat function, and apply known specialist plant/pollinator relationships to habitat restoration projects. 
• Collect bees and other pollinators using passive bowl trapping and active hand-netting; demonstrate these techniques for colleagues in the field. 
• Use standardized data sheets and data collection methods for pollinator surveys. 
• Prepare and label specimens according to standards adopted by the USFWS/USGS. 
• Understand and implement the requirements for samples to be sent to lab for processing and identification. 
• Understand the value of generalist and specialist pollinators to habitat function and apply known specialist plant/pollinator relationships to habitat restoration projects. 

Competencies Addressed: 

Entomology - Basic, Surveying - Basic, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Management - Intermediate, Wildlife Biology - Intermediate