Honeybees are barging aside wild pollinators in hunt for pollen and nectar, study finds
A study from Anglia Ruskin University indicates that the rising population of managed honeybees is negatively impacting wild pollinator species. Honeybees are increasingly outcompeting bumblebees and hoverflies for limited floral resources.
Why it matters
Understanding the ecological impact of managed bee populations is critical for biodiversity conservation and maintaining healthy pollinator ecosystems.
Honeybees were more likely to attack and chase rivals – and win – to collect more pollen and nectar, the study found. Photograph: Dr Tom Ings/Anglia Ruskin University Honeybees were more likely to attack and chase rivals – and win – to collect more pollen and nectar, the study found. Photograph: Dr Tom Ings/Anglia Ruskin University The age of extinction Bees Honeybees are barging aside wild pollinators in hunt for pollen and nectar, study finds As a surge in beekeepers has lead to increased numbers of honeybees, researchers record them pushing bumblebees and other rival species away from flowers
About this content Rebecca Ratcliffe Sat 17 Oct 2026 10.00 BST Last modified on Sat 17 Oct 2026 10.01 BST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Honeybees are outcompeting wild pollinators for resources by aggressively bumping into them and chasing them away from flowers, research has shown.
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