Boosting bee diversity can help stabilise crop production – new research

A diverse pollinator community is a reliable one.

Deepa Senapathi, Senior Research Fellow in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, University of Reading • conversation
March 17, 2021 ~4 min

A common soil pesticide cut wild bee reproduction by 89% – here's why scientists are worried

EU-banned pesticides could not only threaten wild bees where they eat, but where they sleep too.

Philip Donkersley, Senior Research Associate in Entomology, Lancaster University • conversation
March 2, 2021 ~6 min


Why do flowers smell?

Not all flowers smell good, to people at least, but their scents are a way to attract pollinators.

Richard L. Harkess, Professor of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture, Mississippi State University • conversation
March 1, 2021 ~5 min

Bee diversity keeps colonies healthy

The most diverse bee communities have the lowest levels of viral pathogens. "Promoting diverse bee communities may be a win-win strategy..."

Jim Erickson-Michigan • futurity
Feb. 18, 2021 ~7 min

Tiny cacao flowers and fickle midges are part of a pollination puzzle that limits chocolate production

Entomologists wonder if the insects currently pollinating farmed cacao are the right ones for the task.

DeWayne Shoemaker, Professor and Department Head, Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Feb. 10, 2021 ~6 min

Flowers boost predatory insects’ pest control skills

Predatory insects are super pest controllers. Planting flowers can help them help farmers to reduce the use of pesticides.

Katherina Killander-U. Copenhagen • futurity
Jan. 25, 2021 ~6 min

Pollinators: neonicotinoid pesticides stop bees and flies from getting a good night's sleep

Chemicals banned in the EU were recently granted an exemption for limited use in the UK.

Kiah Tasman, Teaching Associate in Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol • conversation
Jan. 21, 2021 ~6 min

Figs show that nonnative species can invade ecosystems by forming unexpected partnerships

As invasive species transform the world, frontline agencies take solace that species needing unique partners can’t invade alone. A new study on figs shows they may find new partners to invade anyway.

Jared Bernard, Ph.D. Candidate in Entomology, University of Hawaii • conversation
Jan. 19, 2021 ~9 min


Tiny treetop flowers foster incredible beetle biodiversity

In the Amazon, beetles and flowering trees have developed a tight bond. Hundreds of beetle species thrive off of and pollinate blossoms, helping to maintain some of the highest biodiversity on Earth.

Caroline S. Chaboo, Adjunct Professor in Insect Systematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln • conversation
Dec. 3, 2020 ~6 min

Monarch butterflies' spectacular migration is at risk – an ambitious new plan aims to help save it

Can a plan that brings together government and private landowners create enough habitat for monarch butterflies?

D. André Green II, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan • conversation
Sept. 18, 2020 ~9 min

/

9