Bees and their peculiar ways have fascinated citizens and scientists alike for ages. Now, a new study is shedding light on their adaptive feeding methods that help them access hard-to-reach nectar amid changing resource conditions.
- Regional climate conditions influence nectar production, often resulting in incomplete nectar reservoirs in flowers.
- Researchers discovered that honey bees can switch between suction and lapping techniques to extract nectar from different-sized flowers with varying sugar concentrations efficiently.
This knowledge deepens our understanding of vital pollinators (bees are responsible for 90% of pollination and can help facilitate bee conservation efforts, sustainable agriculture, and improved beekeeping practices—important considerations as we work to ensure food security around the world.
Dig deeper: Check out the full study here!