Return of the Blue Calamintha Bee (Osmia calaminthae)

Thought to be extinct

The Blue Bee has made a return.

Why are so many Extinct Species returning to the Earth ?

What is making this happen ?

The Blue Calamintha Bee (Osmia calaminthae) is a critically imperiled species endemic to the sandy pine scrub habitats of central Florida. Measuring only about 1 cm long with a striking metallic indigo coloring, it is highly dependent on the threatened Ashe's calamint plant for pollen.

Rediscovery:

Described in 2011, the bee went unseen for several years before being miraculously rediscovered by researchers in 2020, sparking renewed hope for its preservation.

Unique Behaviors & Ecology

Head-Bobbing: The bee is known for a unique pollen-gathering behavior where it bobs its head back and forth against the calamint flower. This transfers pollen directly onto the dense, specialized facial hairs on its head.

Solitary Nature: Unlike honeybees, they do not live in hives. Female bees build individual nests to lay their eggs.

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/blue-bee-feared-be-extinct-found-florida-180974957/