A major new study found that woodland and hedgerow creation can support higher numbers of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The survey, which covered hundreds of sites across Wales, revealed the importance of carefully managed habitats in land management incentive schemes.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021
The number of wild bees has fallen by 25% since 1990, threatening plant reproduction and food production. Researchers must assume social responsibility to communicate their knowledge and work in transdisciplinary coalitions to halt the decline.
SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalCurrent Opinion in Insect Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 2, 2021
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A team of WVU researchers has created a six-armed robot, StickBug, to assist with pollination tasks in greenhouse environments. The robot aims to improve food security during insect declines, support indoor agriculture, and provide services beyond what insects can do.
Deploying honeybees on solar parks in the UK could raise crop yields and financial returns, with soft fruits and oilseed benefiting the most. The study found that prioritizing these crops within a 1.5km honeybee foraging radius around solar parks could boost values by £80 million annually.
SourceLancaster University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021
A global study estimates that half of flowering plants are dependent on animal pollinators, with declines in pollinators threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. Without pollinators, many plant species would suffer reduced fertility or produce no seeds, emphasizing the importance of pollination services.
SourceStellenbosch University·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2021
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Researchers discovered a cheap and naturally occurring chemical compound that can prevent or reverse the effects of the deformed wing virus in bees. Bees fed with this compound before becoming infected were nine times more likely to survive the virus after five days.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021
Pollinators contribute significantly to global food production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these services. The author emphasizes the need for increased support and research efforts to maintain biodiversity and improve crop yields.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalOne Earth·TypeNews article·DateSep 23, 2021
Research reveals hoverflies use a time-compensated sun compass to orientate during autumn migration, adjusting course based on sun's position and time of day. This navigation technique helps the insects maintain an efficient southern route despite flying on sunny days.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2021
Scientists have discovered how pollinators support rare plant species coexistence with abundant species in diverse communities. Flower characteristics are key predictors of specialization between plants and pollinators.
SourceHolden Forests & Gardens·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021
Researchers from Göttingen and Hohenheim found hand pollination used worldwide for 20 crops, including apples and vanillas. The method can reduce losses and improve crop quality, but also brings challenges due to labor intensity and cost.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 8, 2021
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
The Safeguard project will assess the status and trends of European wild pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. It will also explore effective ways to halt declines in different scales, from local to global.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2021
Researchers found that bumblebee flight performance rises rapidly from 12°C and peaks between 25-27°C, but declines beyond this. This study suggests that climate warming may benefit some northern-latitude bee species, but poses risks to southern-latitude populations due to more frequent extreme weather events.
SourceImperial College London·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021
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Researchers studied insect olfactory system to improve repellent design and drug screening. They found that chemoreceptor tuning depends on ligand-binding subunit identity, revealing diverse molecular mechanisms. These findings have potential applications in 'mammalian' chemogenetics and insect-based research.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMolecular Biology Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021
A new global risk index highlights the alarming decline of pollinators, which are crucial for food production and ecosystem services. The top causes of pollinator loss include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change, with serious consequences for human populations, particularly in the Global South.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 16, 2021
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 12, 2021
A new study by the University of Sussex reveals that natural selection leads to fluctuations in nectar supply and demand due to changes in pollinator populations. When pollinators are scarce, flowers produce more nectar to outcompete others, but when they're abundant, less nectar is needed.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 5, 2021
Researchers found that semi-natural habitat patches complement existing flower strips in protecting pollinators, attracting a greater number of species and providing year-round flowers. These small structures, such as hedgerows and overgrown fences, offer potential retreats and nesting sites for overwintering bumblebees.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 3, 2021
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In a new study, researchers found that punishments, like dropping non-pollinated flowers, enforce cooperation between fig trees and wasps. Contrary to previous findings, some fig species do not eliminate non-pollinating wasps by aborting their own fruit.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021
An international research team found that flowers often host multiple visitors, exerting different selection pressures on traits like color and scent. To mitigate these trade-offs, flowers employ various strategies, including scents and color changes, to attract or exclude different animals.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJul 1, 2021
Researchers discovered that bumblebees can accurately detect and choose between flowers with varying levels of humidity. The study found that bees learn to distinguish between humidity patterns in a similar way to how they recognize colors or scents.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 22, 2021
Researchers found that syrphid flies, a type of bee-impostor, were the second most common pollinators on urban and rural farms, accounting for 35% of visits. The flies' bee-like colors may help avoid predators, while their presence could also benefit plants by consuming pests like aphids.
SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Webs·DateJun 22, 2021
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers found that glyphosate-based herbicides can deform reproductive parts of prickly rose plants and reduce pollen viability by 66% a year after application. This persistence can have long-term effects on plant fertility and potentially impact pollinators, which rely on these plants for food.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 16, 2021
Researchers discovered a sophisticated deception mechanism in Aristolochia microstoma flowers, emitting foul scents similar to rotting arthropods. The deception attracts phorid flies for pollination, with the flies trapped inside before depositing pollen.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2021
Entomologists say pairing solar energy with pollinator habitat has great promise, but standards are key to making it successful. Research suggests surrounding vegetation can boost solar panel efficiency, but more analysis is needed.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateJun 3, 2021
A new plant species has been found to deceive pollinators by emitting a scent that mimics decomposing insects. The flower of Aristolochia microstoma traps 'coffin flies' in its chamber, allowing them to deposit pollen before escaping unharmed.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 21, 2021
The University of Maryland's interdisciplinary collaboration aims to understand the complexities of valuing pollination services. Researchers examine the economic value of managed and wild pollinators, revealing the need for a more holistic approach to assessing pollinator health and resilience.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAnnual Review of Resource Economics·DateMay 20, 2021
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A new study led by UCL researchers suggests intensive agriculture could drive loss of bees and other tropical pollinators. Insect pollinators were found to be more than 70% less abundant in areas with intensive cropland compared to wild sites.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021
An international research team found that ants and flies play a vital role in pollination for cocoa, while leaf-litter management enhances tiny cocoa pollinators. The study emphasizes the need to prioritize biodiversity-friendly habitats for pollinator conservation in cocoa agroforests.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 3, 2021
Researchers at the University of Münster studied the impact of plant seed provenance on pollinator diversity and frequency. They found that plants from different regions influenced pollinators' visits to flowers, with some regions offering more frequent interactions.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 22, 2021
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A Lancaster University-led team reviewed evidence on solar park land management practices to enhance pollinator biodiversity. They highlighted ten ways to protect and even enhance bee populations, including sowing wildflowers and connecting parks to nearby habitats.
SourceLancaster University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateApr 20, 2021
Common generalist plants and pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and serving as buffers against climate change impacts. A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that these species can persist over time and across landscapes, supporting robust communities and resilience to local extinctions.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEcology·DateApr 19, 2021
Researchers found common foxgloves in the Americas have evolved longer flower tubes to accommodate hummingbird pollinators, outperforming native bumblebee-pollinated populations. This rapid evolution has occurred over 85 generations, indicating a significant adaptation to their new environment.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateApr 12, 2021
A new study found that solar panels can increase flower abundance and delay bloom timing, benefiting pollinators. The research suggests that using solar panels for pollinator habitat restoration could aid the agricultural community and provide important ecosystem services.
SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2021
Researcher Margarita López-Uribe will investigate the impact of artificial selection on pollinator ecology and evolution in agricultural landscapes. She aims to characterize changes in floral functional traits, pollinator foraging behavior, and genetic underpinnings of sensory system adaptations.
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New study finds toxicity of commonly used pesticides to nontarget species, including aquatic invertebrates and pollinators, has increased considerably. The use of highly toxic pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides is linked to these impacts.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021
Researchers engineered a hawkmoth-pollinated Mimulus species by altering flower colour genes, showing strong preference for non-red colours. The study provides insights into the origin of new species through pollinator shift and suggests only a few simple genetic changes may be required.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 29, 2021
A recent study assesses global market flows and shows that biodiversity conservation is essential to sustain consumption patterns. The researchers discovered a strong link between the expansion of cropland in developing countries and loss of pollinator habitats, highlighting the need for collaborative governance strategies to balance i...
SourceUniversidade de Brasília·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 23, 2021
A global study found that diverse communities of pollinators provide more stable pollination services to nearby crops over time. This suggests that land management techniques that support pollinator diversity, such as wildflower areas and crop rotations, can help maintain long-term benefits to food production.
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Researchers found that artificial light at night reduces diurnal insect visits to plants that were illuminated during the nighttime. Beetles increased their visits instead. The study's findings highlight the indirect ecological effects of light pollution and call for further research to mitigate its impact.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2021
A 47-million-year-old fly fossil found in Vienna revealed that flies played a significant role in ancient pollination. The fly's stomach contents showed pollen from various plant species, suggesting its importance in pollen dispersal and biotic interactions.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2021
Developed countries heavily rely on imported pollination services from developing nations with high crop export rates, indicating a global dependence on biodiversity. Countries that export most pollinator-dependent crops also experience fastest cropland expansion and highest biodiversity decline rates.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 2021
A University of Guelph study found female hoary squash bees exposed to imidacloprid dug 85% fewer nests and collected less pollen. The pesticide significantly reduces offspring production, threatening the future of these vital pollinators.
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Climate change may cause geographical mismatches between crops and their pollinators, threatening crop yields. The study found potential declines in the distribution of some wild bees that pollinate tomatoes, particularly in the eastern United States.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 22, 2021
New research reveals urban gardens produce an overwhelming amount of nectar, equivalent to thousands of flying bees, and account for 85% of food sources for pollinating insects. The study highlights the pivotal role gardens play in promoting biodiversity in urban areas.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 21, 2021
A new analysis of thousands of Michigan bees reveals that the most diverse bee communities have the lowest levels of three common viral pathogens. This study suggests that promoting diverse bee communities may be a win-win strategy to reduce viral infections in managed honeybee colonies while maintaining native bee biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEcology·DateFeb 12, 2021
Research finds economic dependence of US crops on insect pollination totaling $34 billion in 2012, with areas producing 80% of value relying on poor pollinator habitats. The study identifies key areas that need improved pollinator habitat to mitigate declining bee populations.
Researchers have discovered that pollinator host-switching and hybridization are common features of fig-wasp coevolution, contradicting the traditional view. The study analyzed genomes from 15 fig species and found widespread hybridization events with associated host-switches among pollinators.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2021
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A biologist's review articles on insect color vision and plant-pollinator interactions highlight the complexity of these relationships, which involve deception, chemical warfare, and biomechanical trickery. Plants have evolved fine-tuned pigments to attract pollinators, but insects have also co-evolved with them.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2021
Researchers found that blue orchard bees produce significantly more female offspring after severe wildfires, indicating a functional response to increased floral resources. This adaptation helps bees invest in the more expensive sex of their offspring, females.
SourceOregon State University·JournalOecologia·DateJan 14, 2021
A study led by Penn State researchers found that climate change poses a significant threat to wild bee communities due to rising temperatures and precipitation patterns. The team's analysis of 14-year data sets revealed that temperature and precipitation were the most critical factors influencing wild bee abundance and species diversity.
SourcePenn State·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 12, 2021
A Northern Arizona University ecologist is studying pollinators in utility rights-of-ways to improve ecosystem health and biodiversity. The research project aims to evaluate the impact of different vegetation management treatments on plant and pollinator abundance in Arizona's electric power delivery lines.
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A new study found that wildfire disturbance increases the importance of flowering-plant species in determining pollinator composition, while also enhancing the value of pollinators in determining plant composition. The findings suggest that controlling wildfires is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 25, 2020
Researchers found that communities with multiple mutualist species are better equipped to withstand the negative effects of cheaters, as there are backup species to perform the same task. This is because having multiple species with similar roles provides a backup in case one species goes extinct.
The genus Iris, comprising over 300 species, has a poor fossil record, but researchers created a phylogeny to study evolutionary divergence. They found the last common ancestor of irises probably had purple flowers with a crest and spot on falls, pollinated by insects for nectar.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateOct 13, 2020
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Researchers sequenced genomes of figs and pollinators to uncover dynamic karyotype variation associated with adaptive evolution. They also identified candidate genes for sex determination and a potential molecular mechanism of coevolution between fig species and their wasp pollinators.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateOct 9, 2020
Pollinator monitoring schemes offer high-quality scientific data at a much lower cost than traditional research projects. The UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme provides world-leading evidence to better understand the status of pollinators and inform conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 8, 2020
Warmer temperatures cause Arctic plants to compete for pollinators, with the most attractive species monopolizing services. Researchers found that Avens and Moss Campion experience altered flowering periods due to temperature changes, impacting competition and pollination success.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 11, 2020
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A German-Israeli research team found that nature conservation initiatives rarely lead to behavioral changes, citing the need for a broader range of interventions. The study analyzed eight national strategy papers on pollinator conservation and identified a lack of focus on behavioral change interventions, with most measures relying on ...
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 1, 2020
A study from Lund University found that population density, not vegetation cover, has the biggest impact on species richness of pollinators in residential areas. Urban environments with high population densities have fewer species of wild bees and hoverflies.
SourceLund University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateAug 25, 2020