Dr. Minckley Setting-up Bowl Traps. Photo taken by M. Koole, 3/18/2009, Cochise County, AZ

University of Rochester Professor Robert Minckley and San Bernardino NWR are partnering on a study to determine the pollinators for the federally-listed Cochise pincushion cactus.  This cactus is only found in limestone hills in the Southeastern Arizona and very little is known about its life history.  With the information gained from this it can be determined if these rare cacti are pollinated by specialist species or by generalists.  Any data gathered on this species will help with the future protection and survival of this rare and interesting species.  Dr. Minckley has been conducting native bee studies in Southeastern Arizona and Northern Sonora for the last several years.