A deep dive into the microscopic world around us and how its inhabitants strive.
By Dylan Betts Published April 22nd, 2024
Part one: Bombus Occidentalis
The Common Western Bumblebee, known scientifically as Bombus Occidentalis, is one of the most important pollinators in North America. They contribute significantly to the pollination of many environments including cities, suburbs, forests, country, and many other environments that other 
species of pollinators struggle to strive within. These bees can achieve this by adapting to their environments and evolving through generations to enhance their abilities and increase their populations.
One of many ways that the Bumblebee has adapted to keep their populations safe is to nest in the ground, commonly in abandoned mice and birds’ nests. Within these colonies, bumblebees have specific jobs depending on whether they are the queen, drones, or workers. Drones are the male bees whose sole job is to reproduce with the queen, and workers are all the female bees except for the queen. Their job is to gather pollen for the colony and care for the larvae. By working in these groups, the bumblebees can support each other and work together to defend their queen because a single bee is not as effective as a swarm of them.
Bumble bees are covered in tiny hairs that are in a variety of colors. These hairs are used to sense weak electric fields. Bees can distinguish different electric fields of flowers that have been visited by other bees already. Scientists have discovered that because of the opposing charges between a bee and a flower,
pollen can sometimes “jump” towards a bee when in proximity. This trait is not shown in many other insects. It helps the bees pollinate more flowers more efficiently.
All these traits aid the Bombus Occidentalis to strive in the western environments from the tundra of Alberta down to the bay of San Francisco, and even into the interior states and provinces like Alberta and Wyoming. Unfortunately, the population of this type of bumble bee declined over a few years in the past with scientists suspecting the cause to be a parasite known as Nosema Apis. In recent years, scientists have seen the rate of decline of population reducing because of the adaptations in recent generations of bees that help prevent the attack of these parasites.
Pt. 1 Sources:
Bees Can Sense the Electric Fields of Flowers (nationalgeographic.com)
Honeybee | Characteristics, Habitat, Life Cycle, & Facts | Britannica
Bombus occidentalis – Wikipedia
Part two: Hedera Canariensis
Hedera Canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy is a type of ivy that originated in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are a group of Spanish-controlled islands off the coast of Morrocco and the disputed western territory in the continent of Africa. Canary ivy can be found in the form of a ground cover, a bush, or most commonly as a wall cover as it tends to climb on things like walls, rocks,
and other plants.
Canary Ivy was most likely brought to North America through trade in the 18th or 19th century for ornamental use. The ivy can be used as a wall cover when tended to properly, however if it is not tended to, the Ivy will spread quickly and can easily suffocate other plants around it.
Canary Ivy has proven to be quite adaptable and able to live in many environments. The soil and climate found in the Pacific northwest is nothing like that of the Canary Islands, but the Ivy has adapted to be able to find notorious through strong rooting and large leaves to permit photosynthesis. The Canary Ivy is also very resilient to changes in temperature, easily surviving cold Canadian winters as well as African heat.
Canary Ivy is dangerous to other plants because of its fast-growing traits. This type of ivy can grow rapidly and easily overwhelm other plants in the area. By moving into spaces where other plants are living, it can take the nutrients in the soil needed for those plants to survive. Canary Ivy can also create large, shaded areas when in a ground cover form, which prevents other plants beneath it to get sunlight for photosynthesis.
Removing Canary Ivy is challenging because of the many roots that it grounds. These roots can easily grow new branches, so cutting the ivy at the base of stalks will be of no use. Pulling the ivy from the ground (Including roots) is the way that requires the least preparation and tools, but there is a good chance that the ivy will not be completely gone. Another way to remove Ivy is using a mix of Apple Cider vinegar, dish soap, and salt in a spray bottle which will help detach the ivy from walls and trunks of trees. Then, dig up the remaining roots and cut away any leftover strands of Ivy.
Pt. 2 Sources:
Hedera canariensis – Wikipedia
Canary Island Ivy Care and Propagation – Caring for Hedera Canariensis (thedailyeco.com)
Using apple vinegar to control ivy – according to experts | (homesandgardens.com)