Specieswatch: How heatwaves play havoc with bees’ fertility
A new study reveals that heatwaves significantly reduce the fertility of male red mason bees, leading to a 50% drop in sperm activity. This decline poses a serious threat to the pollination of essential food crops in subsequent years.
Why it matters
Declining bee fertility due to climate change could lead to reduced agricultural yields and threaten global food security.
A red mason bee. The study found that three days of heatwave conditions caused a 50% drop in males’ sperm activity. A red mason bee. The study found that three days of heatwave conditions caused a 50% drop in males’ sperm activity. Specieswatch Bees Specieswatch: How heatwaves play havoc with bees’ fertility Study reveals extreme heat causes sharp drop with knock-on effect for pollination of food crops in following years
The report is based on scientific findings and focuses on environmental impacts without political framing.
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