New bee species discovered: the blue handstanding bee

This remarkable insect has a stunning, shiny blue hue and, incredibly, is known to perform handstands. Yes, you read that right—handstands! It seems weâ€ve found the gymnastics champions of the insect world in this newly identified species.

This striking image and the revelation of a new bee species remind us just how amazing nature can be.

With more than 20,000 known bee species worldwide, bees are an incredibly diverse group. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from tiny sweat bees to robust bumblebees. Some are fuzzy, some sleek, some yellow, some green, and even blue! No matter their appearance, bees play a vital role in our world.

As nature’s premier pollinators, bees are essential for the health, diversity, and beauty of our planet. In fact, three out of every four bites of food we take depend on the work of bees and other pollinators.

We love bees, but lately, we havenâ€t been doing enough to show it.

Bees and butterflies are struggling to survive due to widespread habitat loss and the heavy use of pesticides. The American bumblebee population has plummeted by 90%, and the rusty-patched bumblebee is endangered. Monarch butterflies may soon follow suit.

But there is a way we can help.

Across the country, there are at least 10 million acres of untapped land along our highways that offer a nationwide opportunity to support our pollinators. State departments of transportation (DOTs) are planting bee-friendly plants along these roadsides, providing vital resources for bees and butterflies.

But they can’t do this alone.

Right now, our legislators have a chance to protect these species by funding DOTs†pollinator programs. While Congress has supported this initiative in the past, this year, theyâ€ve failed to give it a dime.

It’s time to make our voices heard. If we want to discover more hidden species and support the dedicated efforts to protect these critical insects, we need to act now. Tell your representative to support bee-friendly habitats and fund the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program.