Fijian 'sweat bees' evolved to resist human environmental changes
A study from Flinders University indicates that 'sweat bees' on the Fijian island of Viti Levu have evolved to thrive in human-altered environments. These bees are resilient to temperature changes and have adapted to nesting in cleared habitats and introduced plant species.
Why it matters
Understanding how specific species adapt to human-driven environmental changes provides critical insights into biodiversity resilience amidst the global climate crisis.
Extreme weather and habitat changes can spell doom for many native animals including insects but it seems the bees in Fiji are built a little different.
A new study by Flinders University reveals that bee populations of the Genus Lasioglossum or better known as 'sweat bees' on the main island of Viti Levu have evolved to resist human-driven environmental changes.
Director of Student Affairs for the Australian Entomological Society from Flinders University, Patricia Slattery says the ground nesting bees are well insulated from temperature changes.
"Cleared habitat in lowland areas where people are moving or even walking through a path provides more nesting opportunity," she said "And they don't mind introduced plants which means that when colonisation came along and brought with it a heap of ornamental weeds, they probably didn't mind it."
Genus Lasioglossum or 'sweat bee' ( Supplied: bugguide.net )
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