The Idaho Bee Atlas is a statewide volunteer initiative documenting and conserving the more than 720 species of native bees found in Idaho. The project emphasizes data sharing, specimen collection and curation, outreach, and bee conservation knowledge linked to the state’s native flora. 

The collection program draws on the tools and structure of the Oregon State University Master Melittologist Program while maintaining its own Idaho-focused framework. A growing group of volunteers contributes to both field collections and specimen curation. This work is hosted at the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History at the College of Idaho.

Data on Idaho bees is sparse and scattered.  The Idaho Bee Atlas has initiated the creation and dissemination of an Open Checklist of the Bees of Idaho, which will provide a roadmap for future collection work and other bee research.  We invite and encourage contributions and assistance in validating our work on this important project.

The Idaho Bee Atlas highlights the critical role of citizen science in expanding knowledge of pollinator diversity and ecology in the region.