Articles tagged with Pollinators
Introduced 'alien' honeybees are competing with native bees for resources, posing a threat to the survival of plants that rely on specific pollinators. This is particularly concerning in arid environments where super-generalist honeybees visit up to 55% of available plant species.
Domesticated honeybees contribute to wild bee declines through resource competition and disease spread. Researchers recommend policies to limit managed honeybee impact, including hive size limits and controls on hives in protected areas.
A new report synthesizes global data to identify honey bees as the world's most important single species of pollinator in natural ecosystems. They are recorded in 89% of pollination networks in their native range and 61% in introduced regions, contributing to 1 out of 8 interactions between non-agricultural plants and pollinators.
Researchers tracked bumblebee flight paths and found they refined routes to reduce travel distance, providing insights into route optimization in logistics and robotics. The study's large dataset offers a unique understanding of how animals solve spatial problems.
A study published in Nature Communications found that reduced individual plant growth can benefit overall communities by controlling herbivore populations and indirectly supporting pollinators. This counterintuitive effect helps explain the persistence of some plant communities despite theory predicting their extinction.
A comprehensive bee census led by Michigan State University scientists confirmed the discovery of a new species and revealed that Michigan has more than 420 species of bees, exceeding earlier estimates. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding wild bee populations and their benefits to crops and the environment.
Researchers found that hoverflies use a combination of visual, olfactory, and tactile cues to recognize flowers in different environments. The study's results suggest that pollinator preferences for flowers can vary significantly depending on the location and environmental conditions.
The Aspidistra elatior flower attracts insects by pretending to be a mushroom, with fungus gnats being the primary pollinators in its native habitat. This discovery clarifies that like most plants, A. elatior is mainly pollinated by flying insects.
A recent study on Mount Rainier floral communities found that climate change can cause reassembly among wildflowers, leading to disrupted interactions. In 2015, an unusually warm summer resulted in new patterns of flowering times, with some species blooming earlier and others later.
A global sampling of honey found 75% contaminated with neonicotinoid pesticides, a key factor in the global decline of pollinators, particularly bees. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to these pesticides may have detrimental effects on bee populations.
A new study found that a selection of efficient key plant species can effectively support pollinators in agricultural landscapes. The researchers identified 14 crucial plant species for the whole bee and hoverfly community, highlighting the potential of targeted agri-environmental schemes.
Researchers investigate the effects of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions, exploring new techniques for measuring floral cues, rewards, and pollinator behavior. Studies reveal diverse tactics being used to deepen understanding of these complex relationships in a changing environment.
Future warming scenarios predict a 73-88% reduction in areas suitable for growing coffee by 2050. Bee diversity may decline by 8-18% in future coffee-growing regions, but some species will still be present in 46-59% of these areas.
A recent study reveals that despite knowing bees are crucial to plant pollination, many people are unaware of the wide diversity of bee species beyond honeybees. The survey found that only 14% of respondents could accurately identify the number of bee species in the US, highlighting a need for public education and outreach.
A coalition of entomologists suggests working together in local communities to protect pollinators while managing mosquito and tick populations. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration between vector-control professionals and pollinator experts.
A study conducted in rapeseed fields found that nesting aids increased brood cells and attracted a variety of pollinator species. The availability of flowering plants and nesting sites is crucial for wild bee reproduction and diversity.
A new open-access guide provides best practices for protecting pollinators like bees and butterflies while reducing pests in lawns and fields. Methods include mowing before applying insecticides and creating pollinator habitat strips, which can reduce the hazard to pollinating insects.
Researchers found that flowering crops produce the greatest volume of sweetest nectar surrounding flowers to attract ants. This strategy allows plants to balance defense and reproduction while avoiding conflicts with pollinators.
Field experiments show that removing a dominant pollinator species alters foraging patterns among remaining pollinators, leading to changes in plant visitation and reduced biodiversity. This study highlights the importance of considering ecological cascades in predicting the impact of pollinator extinctions on ecosystems.
The USDA has allocated $6.8 million for seven research and extension grants focused on pollinator health, addressing declining populations of managed and wild pollinators. These projects aim to promote pollinator health, reduce honey bee colony losses, and restore habitats.
A gene in wild tobacco regulates the production of bergamotene, which increases pollination success and protects against herbivory. The compound is emitted at night to attract nocturnal pollinators, such as Manduca sexta moths.
Flowers that attract hummingbirds have specific characteristics that also deter bumblebees, with certain combinations of traits discouraging wasteful visits. Bees have difficulty learning to combine red with other sensory traits, making it economic sense for them to avoid bird flowers.
Researchers found that timing strawberry blooms directly after neighboring apple blossoms results in higher yields due to increased pollinator activity. This strategy allows growers to capitalize on the services of pollinators without relying on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
Researchers found that plants pollinated by bumblebees became more fragrant and had larger flowers with greater UV color component. In contrast, plants pollinated by hoverflies were smaller and less fragrant, with increased self-pollination.
A newly discovered beetle, Darwinylus marcosi, provides direct evidence of a fourth major gymnosperm-insect pollination mode during the mid-Mesozoic era. The beetle's jaw-like mouthparts and chewing feeding style suggest that it was involved in pollination before flowering plants emerged.
A new mobile app developed by University of Vermont researchers aims to help farmers protect endangered bees by calculating crop productivity and pollination benefits. The app allows users to explore land management scenarios and virtually test how bee-friendly decisions would improve their business.
The study reveals wild bees are disappearing in US farmlands, including California, the Midwest and Mississippi Valley, threatening crop production. The 'trouble zone' counties face a potential mismatch between rising demand for pollination and falling supply of wild bees, highlighting the need for habitat restoration efforts.
Scientists have developed artificial pollinators using tiny drones coated with a sticky gel, which can pick up pollen from one flower and deposit it onto another. The innovation uses horse hairs to mimic the fuzzy exterior of a bee, allowing the drones to effectively collect and transfer pollen.
A study on bat preferences for nectar reveals that competition leads to a preference for dilute nectars. The researchers used computer-controlled flowers with varying sugar concentrations to simulate the feeding behavior of bats.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that pollinator habitat seed mixes sold by companies in the Midwest contain seeds of Palmer amaranth and other invasive weeds. The USDA does not license or inspect these seed companies, leading to the unintended introduction of these weeds to thousands of acres of land.
Flowers use physical tricks such as creating colour and manipulating gravity to attract pollinators. They may also alter their electrical fields to influence visitation rates.
A team of researchers suggests ten clear ways for governments to protect pollination services, crucial for food production. The policies focus on improving yields in organic farming and regulating pesticides to support pollinator health.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that parthenocarpy increases fruit quality and quantity in crops like apples and tomatoes, which traditionally rely on insect pollination. The study suggests this technique could improve food security by extending growing seasons and increasing crop resilience.
Researchers found that flowering ornamentals can provide critical biological services such as pollination and biological controls. The study identified 74 commercially available annual and perennial plant species that attracted a diverse population of pollinators and beneficial insects, including hoverflies, skippers, and native bees.
A recent study contradicts earlier claims that declines of pollinator species richness are slowing down in Europe. Dr Tom J. M. Van Dooren found no robust evidence for a decelerating decline across multiple taxonomic groups and European countries.
A new study from UMass Amherst finds that untreated lawns provide a rich diversity of flowers offering nectar and pollen to bees, boosting their populations. Researchers discovered 111 native bee species on lawns in suburban Springfield, Massachusetts.
Researchers found that Giant Ceropegia flowers mimic the scent of honeybees under attack to fool freeloading flies into pollinating them. The study reveals a complex reproductive strategy where plants use alarm pheromones to lure in insects.
A study has found that the North American jewelled spider fly genus, known for its brilliant colouration, is a deadly predator of tarantulas. The flies' larvae are particularly insidious, inserting themselves into tarantula hosts and killing them by bursting out of their abdomens.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Vikas Khanna a $259,582 grant to investigate the impact of declining insect-mediated pollination on the US economy. The three-year project aims to expand previous research and explore the economic value of pollination services attributable to managed honeybees and wild insects.
Researchers found that ground-nesting bees were the most abundant insects in corn and soybean fields, accounting for 65% of total pollinators. The study suggests that adopting no-till practices and programs like STRIPS could benefit pollinators, potentially increasing yields by up to 6%.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of California, Riverside found that polyploid hybrids in the genus Nicotiana have shorter and wider flower openings than their parent species. This allows a wider range of pollinators to enter the flowers, making them less vulnerable to extinction. The researchers sugges...
New research from Queen Mary University of London found that polyploid hybrids in the Nicotiana genus can have wider flower openings, making them less vulnerable to extinction. This allows a wider range of pollinators to access their flowers.
A better understanding of how pollinators interact with plants is key to untangling the decline in pollinator health. Researchers are using molecular genetic analysis to reconstruct historical records of plant visits by native bees across 10 prairie sites in Kansas.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that increasing pollinator diversity can dramatically increase cotton production, with a potential boost of up to 18% in South Texas. This could lead to an increase in annual revenue for Texas cotton farmers of over $1.1 million.
Research reveals that street lights change moth behavior, causing them to shift from vegetation level to lamp-post height, disrupting night-time pollination. Moth populations play a crucial role in plant pollination, and their decline could have significant effects on ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that hawk moths can smell floral volatiles using olfactory neurons on their proboscis. This allows them to select flowers with sufficient nectar, leading to successful pollination and seed production. The study highlights the importance of scent in flower-pollinator interactions.
Researchers found that Manduca sexta moths prefer flowers with nectar that matches the length of their proboscis, resulting in optimal energy gain. The moths use scent to guide themselves to these ideal flowers, which is supported by an innate preference.
A new project aims to mobilize the public to help local urban bees by planting bee-friendly flowers and tracking their movements. The London Pollinator Project encourages Londoners to plant flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, such as English lavender and spiked speedwell, to support the ailing urban bee population.
A recent study found that ground-nesting bees on heavily farmed landscapes have a smaller size, with female bees carrying 40% less pollen. This may impact their ability to provision offspring and lead to population decline.
A Clemson University study investigates the benefits of diverse agroecosystems in watermelon production. Native bees and wildflowers may complement honeybees to improve crop quality and yield. The research aims to find a simple way for farmers to attract native pollinators, potentially eliminating the need for domesticated honeybees.
Researchers found that bumblebees exposed to pesticides collected more pollen but took longer to do so than control bees. Control bees chose different flowers than pesticide-exposed bees.
A UK-wide collaborative project aims to save the country's dwindling pollinator population by transforming schools' grounds and community spaces. Pupils will gain hands-on experience in creating pollinator-friendly habitats through vertical green walls, night-blooming flower beds, and lobbying for change.
Pollinator preferences favor orchids with stronger scents in the Swiss lowlands, but not in mountain regions. Key differences were found in floral scent molecules and pollinator communities between the two areas.
A new analysis of deformed wing virus shows that the Varroa mite has spread globally due to human trade, contributing to an endemic to epidemic shift. The study provides insights into worldwide transmission routes and dynamics of DWV.
A study found that male hummingbirds drive female birds away from yellow-flowered plants, while females prefer red flowers due to male aggression. This competition may lead to the evolution of multiple flower forms to suit different pollinators.
Small-scale agriculture in developing nations can significantly benefit from increased pollinator density, with a 24% yield increase possible. Large farms may require diverse pollinators to achieve similar benefits, highlighting the importance of agricultural strategies to support pollinator health.
The US has identified key agricultural regions at high risk for wild bee decline, which could destabilize crop production. The study suggests 39% of croplands face a pollinator shortage, with the Midwest's corn belt and California's Central Valley particularly affected.
Research at Penn State found that dicamba drift reduces flowering in both alfalfa and common boneset plant species. Herbicide exposure also decreases insect visitation to damaged flowers, particularly honeybees and syrphid flies. The study suggests widespread damage from these herbicides may adversely affect pollinator communities.
A recent study led by the University of Queensland found that non-bee insect pollinators, such as flies and butterflies, are crucial for crop pollination. These insects performed 25-50% of total flower visits and provided similar pollination services to bees.
Researchers studied two plant species, Zaluzianskya natalensis and Z. microsiphon, finding that flowers pointing upwards were more attractive to hawkmoths than those pointing sideways.