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Evaluating Native Bee Communities and Nutrition in Managed Grasslands.
D S Stein1, D M Debinski1,2, J M Pleasants1
1Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.
Environmental Entomology
|March 28, 2020
Summary
Ungrazed grasslands boost bee abundance and health by supporting native plants. Management strategies focusing on native flora are crucial for improving bee populations and ecosystem services.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Native pollinators, especially bees, are vital for agroecosystem services but face global declines.
- Effective land management is crucial to support bee health and community composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of different grassland management types on bee communities and floral resources.
- To investigate nutritional indicators in sweat bees across various grassland management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Studied bee abundance, community composition, and nutritional indicators (mass, lipids) in three grassland types: prairie remnants, ungrazed restorations, and grazed restorations.
- Quantified floral resources, distinguishing between native and non-native species abundance and richness.
Main Results:
- Bee abundance was higher in ungrazed restorations compared to remnants.
- Native flowering plant abundance and richness were greatest in ungrazed restorations.
- Bee mass was significantly higher in Agapostemon virescens from ungrazed restorations versus remnants.
Conclusions:
- Bee abundance and nutritional health are positively influenced by the availability of native flowering plants.
- Grassland management favoring native flora is essential for supporting healthy bee populations and vital ecosystem services.
