The Growing Importance of Native Bees as Pollinators in Our Changing Climate

Presenter

Cora M. Attias-Inzano

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Susannah B. Lerman, Department of Environmental Conservation, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A35, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, the Earth has experienced global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, and temperatures will continue to rise, changing ecosystems on a global scale. For farmers, increased temperatures may mean reduced crop pollination. In Massachusetts, for example, over 45% of all crops rely on pollination by honey bees, Apis mellifera L. The extreme weather conditions and native plant die-off accompanying climate change will jeopardize the survival of honey bees. With the potential decrease in honey bee populations and the consequential damage to agricultural pollination, consideration should be given to a pollinator better suited for these changing climates  – for example, the eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica. Compared to honey bees, the eastern carpenter bee possesses a higher heat tolerance, a longer activity period, the ability to forage under low illumination conditions, and the ability to increase fruit yield and weight. Here we will present a project overview and preliminary results from a literature review examining differences in temperature regulation and behavior between native bees and honey bees. We explore the suitability of native bees as agricultural pollinators under different climate change scenarios.  

Keywords

Native Bee Pollinators, Honey Bees, Agriculture, Sustainability, Global Climate Change

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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