An Evaluation of the Popularity of Australian Native Bee Taxa and State of Knowledge of Native Bee Taxonomy Among the Bee-Interested Public

Bee declines are making headlines, yet awareness of native bees is limited, which may stem in part from poor taxonomic knowledge and under-representation in media and education. This study aimed to determine the Australian public's taxonomic knowledge of native bees and identify the relative popularity of species. We explored this by asking "What is your favourite Australian bee species?" to members joining the Facebook group "The Buzz on Wild Bees". Over nine months, 580 people responded, but only 400 provided an answer of their favourite Australian native bee species, with 419 answers in total (as some provided more than 1 answer). Of these answers, just 12.9% provided a name for a species, rather than a group, and only 7.6% provided a scientific name. The group that emerged as the favourite were the <i>Amegilla</i> ("blue banded" and "teddy bear" bees), followed by the Meliponini ("sugarbag" or "stingless" bees). Euryglossinae, Neopasiphaeinae, and Stenotritidae were absent from the answers. We discuss our results in light of the taxonomic literacy among the public, and hypothesise why certain taxa are more or less popular. <i>Amegilla</i> species could represent a good gateway into raising awareness among the general Australian public about native bees. The selection of region-specific, vulnerable species such as <i>Xylocopa aerata</i> may better serve as flagships. Greater public exposure and education of under-represented Australian native bee taxa is required.