Maxence Poirier-Joanette
Project
Evolution of bumblebee communities in Quebec in the context of climate changeBumblebees (Bombus spp.) are essential pollinators for maintaining ecosystems and fruit crop yields. However, several species of bumblebees are experiencing a decline in their range and abundance in North America. Climate change is one of the major causes of this decline. Historical records of bumblebee capture from insect collections, scientific studies, and citizen science projects are a valuable tool for documenting past bumblebee communities. The objective of this research is to understand how climate change affects the distribution range of bumblebee communities in Quebec using historical records. To do this, we have compiled nearly 60,000 specimen records of bumblebees from various sources such as government and university collections, citizen science projects, as well as scientific studies. After collecting data on historical specimens, sampling of bumblebees in the summer of 2026 at the sites of historical records will provide a current picture of bumblebee communities. The data will be analyzed using a site occupancy model. By comparing historical records with those of today, it will be possible to better understand how the distribution, abundance, diversity, and land use of bumblebees have changed in Quebec and to what extent climate change are responsible for these changes.
