Use of a Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Burrow by Honey Bees in the Texas Panhandle

Journal Article · 01 January 2022 · Prairie Naturalist

OSTI ID:1845021

Ray, James D. ^[1]; Mahlin, Todd ^[2]

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1. USDOE-NNSA Pantex Plant (PTX), Amarillo, TX (United States); Canyon, TX (United States)
2. USDOE-NNSA Pantex Plant (PTX), Amarillo, TX (United States)

Cynomys ludovicianus Baird (Black-Tailed Prairie Dog) is considered to be a keystone species in the prairie, providing food and habitat for a diversity of wildlife. In October of 2020, we observed an active Apis mellifera Linnaeus (European Honey Bee) hive visible within the entrance of a burrow made by Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs in the treeless plains of the Texas Panhandle. Furthermore, this observation suggests that prairie dogs could provide habitat for this economically important pollinator and in landscapes otherwise devoid of cavities such as are commonly found in trees, buildings, and other structures.

• Research Organization: Pantex Plant (PTX), Amarillo, TX (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0001942
• OSTI ID: 1845021
• Report Number(s): IROS39037
• Journal Information: Prairie Naturalist, Vol. 54; ISSN 0091-0376
• Publisher: Eagle Hill PublicationsCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English