Approaching the recently released CDFW Survey Considerations for California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Candidate Bumble Bee Species, can be a prickly task for consultants not familiar with invertebrate/pollinator survey methodology. We discuss our previously successful approaches to surveying for Crotch bumble bee in coastal and inland California from a consultant’s perspective, and how to approach your habitat assessments and presence/absence surveys with the greatest probability of success and agency approval. Additionally, we will highlight basic bumble bee identification and provide refence to materials to further sharpen your bumble bee and common pollinator identification skills.

Ms. Torres received her bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fish, and conservation biology from the University of California, Davis, where she managed field studies on the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on honey bee colonies. She has worked for the U.S. Forest Service ecological networks project analyzing the effects of wildfires and the disruption of the forest ecosystem, and pollination networks. Ms. Torres currently works as a biologist for SWCA Environmental Consultants, where her specialty in invertebrate and pollinator field studies has her leading surveys for sensitive biological resources throughout southern California, including Crotch bumble bee.