The full name of this organization is long and the second half often goes unsaid but protecting pollinators is what we hope to accomplish. Monarch butterflies are an all time favorite. Their popularity elevated them to the post of Illinois’ state insect nearly 50 years ago. Illinois’ 400 species of wild or native bees can easily be overlooked because they’re smaller than a butterfly but they make a major contribution to the pollination of wild plants and food crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, cranberries and blueberries.

For the past six years, DMP’s annual report has featured a monarch butterfly on the cover. This year we want that honor to go to a bee. To make this happen we are requesting bee loving photographers to share their photos of Illinois native bees with DMP because excellent photos spark interest and curiosity.

Golden Sweat Bee

Queen bumble bees will be emerging soon with a hunger that has been building for months. She will be looking for food and a suitable place for building a nest. Queen bees are large, fuzzy and adorable and make good subjects.

Mason or orchard bees also emerge in spring. They have a strong preference for the nectar and pollen of fruit trees and can be found visiting apple, plum, cherry and pear trees.

Leafcutter bee

As with all wildlife photography, please keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing bees while they’re engaged in foraging, mating and nesting behaviors.

Bumblebee on goldenrod

Selection of the cover photo will be made by DMP board members. This isn’t a contest. There are no prizes only the satisfaction of being part of the solution to pollinator decline and enjoying looking closely at these tiny beautiful creatures. You may even have a once in a lifetime experience of spotting a rare rusty-patched bumblebee.

Only photos of native Illinois bees. Honey bees are not native to North America. Bee identification not required by helpful. Several bee identification apps are available. Using iNaturalist adds the photos to a community science database which is used for increasing the knowledge needed for good conservation policies and practises.

Photos taken in DuPage County preferred but not required. Email photos to dupagemonarchs@gmail.com any time before November 15, 2024.

Submitting photos to DMP allows their use with attribution for non-commercial purposes.

“I believe art is utterly important. It is one of the things that could save us.”

— Mary Oliver