Honeybees struggle to gather nectar in August, direct measurements reveal
Researchers from the University of Sussex have discovered that honeybees face significant nectar shortages during late summer, particularly in August. The study suggests that planting late-blooming flowers and adjusting mowing schedules could help support pollinator populations during this critical period.
Why it matters
Understanding seasonal foraging challenges is vital for biodiversity conservation and maintaining the health of essential pollinator populations.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Honeybee foraging. Credit: Marta Rossi Letting late-summer weeds grow could help honeybees when they find it most challenging to gather nectar, according to new research published in the journal, Functional Ecology .
Researchers from the University of Sussex have found that honeybees find it hardest to forage for nectar in late summer, particularly in August. Their study is the first to use a novel method of directly measuring seasonal changes in the energy honeybees expend and gain from foraging.
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