Self-medication in bees – nutrition against parasites
Like any organism, bees have diseases. In honey bees, there are treatments against the Varroa mite. With other diseases, beekeepers […]
Bee Series, Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Floral ecology – the flower tells you what pollinator to expect
As a student I learned that bumblebee species differ in tongue length and that they visit mainly matching flowers. Since
Miscellaneous
Floral clock: flower rhythms and pollinator activity
Carl Linnaeus invented the floral clock – perhaps not his most famous accomplishment. But it’s a curious thing and, turning
Bee Series, Miscellaneous
Different nutrients for different bees
Bees rely on flowers to get the nutrients they need – both adults and larvae. Looking at bee nutrition more
Bee Series, Miscellaneous
Nectar robbing – feeding without return service
The relationship between bees and flowers is one of the best examples for mutualism: the flowers get pollinated and the
Miscellaneous
Bee friendly plants – do they do their job?
One of the side effects of the attention pollinators get, is that you can buy “bee friendly” plants everywhere. However,
Bee Series, Miscellaneous
Invasive bees – increase of diversity or a threat to native species?
For a long time, there was no awareness for invasive species in general. Europeans brought their familiar domestic animals and
Bees International, Miscellaneous
Almond flowers – stunning beauty or pollination industry?
Three years ago, it happened that I was in Andalucía in February. I arrived quite late the day before I
Miscellaneous
Not only sweet – honey bees’ seasonal salt foraging
Honey bees like it sweet – they forage nectar and produce honey. But salt? It may seem strange at the
Miscellaneous
Migratory bees – shorter life-spans and oxidative stress
Honey bees originally nest in cavities in about 5 m height. In Tom Seeley’s book “Honeybee democracy” is plenty of