Bombus: A Natural History of Bumble Bees
Bombus is the genus name for our world’s beloved group of bumble bee species - and the title of our current exhibition on display in the Newberry Gallery at Gateway Science Museum. Bombus! A Natural History of Bumble Bees brings to life the beauty, ecological importance, and joy of these charismatic native bees. California is home to an astounding 1600+ species of native bees, but few of us are aware of the 25 species of bumblebees native to our state - that’s about half the total number of bumble bee species in the U.S. Through extensive and exquisitely detailed photography by plantsman and longtime bumble bee enthusiast and observer, John Whittlesey, Bombus! brings home to audiences the critical role bumble bees play in our native ecosystems. The exhibit explores why it is more important than ever that we know and protect bumble bees and their habitats. Bombus! A Natural History of Bumble Bees includes documentary audio/video modules, historical and current bumble bee data, and hands-on, interactive science and learning activities for all ages - in-museum and to take home.
Bombus! A Natural History of Bumble Bees is created by John Whittlesey, co-produced by John Whittlesey, Jennifer Jewell, and Gateway Science Museum. Copyright 2022-2024.
Thank you to our Bombus donors:
Foundress $10,000+
Marcia Moore
Queen $2,000+
Gayle Hutchinson
Laura & Randy Schiff
Sisterhood of Workers in Service to the Colony $1,000+
Janet Brown
Anonymous
Judy Sitton
Flora Jewell-Stern & Eric Stern
Males in Service to the Queen $500+
Mike Abruzzo
Diana Bingham
Charlotte & Roy Ekland
Dave & Hilary Hassenzahl
Christopher Hest
Jennifer and Kevin Parrish
Gwen Quail
Gardener for Bumble Bees $250+
Abe & Jacky Baily
Liz & Ken Fleming
Michelle & Jim Graydon
Bill Knudsen
Erin & Charles Kyle
Mary Anne Pella-Donnelly
Candy Solari
Flowers
John & Lauree Asarian
Jeff Brown
Wendy Brown
Guerdon Ely
Dean Fumasi
Kobe Hassenzahl
Jackie Howland
Sabrina Jewell
Kathryn K LaShure
Teresa Matthews
Rich Meyers
Janet & Steve Pearce
Holly Sitton
Alicia A Springer
Joan Stewart-Thorpe
Audrey Tennis
Jill VanderHeiden
Suzanne Watroba
