Moscardón Bumblebee Faces Decline Due to Invasive Species in Patagonia
The moscardón bumblebee, known scientifically as Bombus dahlbomii, is experiencing a significant decline in its native habitat of Patagonia, which spans parts of Argentina and Chile. This giant ginger bumblebee, often referred to as the 'flying mouse,' is an essential pollinator for native plants. However, its populations are threatened by the introduction of non-native European bumblebees, such as the ruderal and buff-tailed bumblebees, which were brought to the region for agricultural purposes. These invasive species have outcompeted the moscardón bumblebee and introduced new pathogens, further endangering its survival. The decline of this species poses a threat to the ecological balance in Patagonia, affecting native plants and other species that rely on the moscardón for pollination. 
