![]() ![]() In addition, the authors also observed the influence of temperature on the pollination performance of these pollinators. But, they don’t “flood” flowers like honey bees often do. Also bumblebees aren’t too picky for their pollen and nectar sources (at least in most cases). In contrast to the previous example, here we have different generalist bees. Here, the researchers observed honey bees and bumblebees on raspberry fields as well as on the surrounding flora. A very recent study on such an addition of factors comes from Norway. As always, things aren’t as simple as they appear at first sight.Ĭompetition between two species or within a community can be neutral or have a negative impact depending on different factors. As far as I know, there are studies that exclude competition between these two species as well as others that prove it. There are often conflicts between beekeepers and conservationists, especially if the former bring their colonies into natural reserves. Unfortunately, there is also a specialist solitary bee relying on heather: the heather bee (Colletes succintus). Therefore, beekeepers like to bring their colonies there. Mass flowering plants with a specialists and generalist beesĪn example for this is a discussion regularly coming up in Northern Germany: there are large areas with heather and heather honey is a quite prestigious one. Which may be competing, though there is no physical interaction. No honey bees here, but multiple pollinators. If they are at a place where also oligolectic bees rely on certain plants, honey bees may “outcompete” this specialist species simply by their mass. They are not picky, but prefer flowers that are present in large quantities (at least for nectar). They also are present in big numbers, especially if beekeepers bring large amounts of colonies to a place. So here we get to the point why I’m giving this ecology lesson: honey bees are generalists, they use a wide variety of plants. Relating to food, I explained this in the post about oligolectic and polylectic bees. There may be the specialist with a very narrow niche, or the generalist who is able to use a wider range of resources. Every species has a different ecological niche. food, nesting habitat, temperature preferences etc.). It’s not a spatial description, it means the mix of all requirements a species has (i.e. ![]() This combination of resources is called the “ecological niche” of a species. Species coexist because they use different resources or use them in a different way, at a different time or a different combination of resources. In fact, competition isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Competition for resources and the ecological niche When they arrive when nectar and pollen isn’t available anymore, it’s just too late. Therefore, pollinators don’t have to interact individually to compete for a resource. When they are pollinated, they don’t produce these resources anymore. Flowers provide nectar and pollen only as long as it “serves” them. Giving you an example for bees, if there is a certain amount of flowers in an area, these can feed only a certain number of pollinators at a time. Species compete for resources (food, nesting habitat or the possibility to study at a good university). It’s not like children competing on who arrives first at the corner or students competing for a place at university. “Competition” in biology means something slightly different than in colloquial language. However, the topic is important, but it may not be discussed at the most relevant level. On the other hand, beekeepers often feel like being conservationists themselves (I won’t go into how justified or not this is). In some situations, beekeepers are openly attacked by conservationists when they bring their colonies to certain places. Competition between honey bees and wild pollinators is often an issue between beekeepers and conservationists. ![]()
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