Specieswatch: How heatwaves play havoc with bees’ fertility
Summary
A study found that heatwaves reduce the fertility of solitary red mason bees. This could lead to fewer bees the following year and less pollination for important food crops.Key Facts
- Researchers simulated a three-day heatwave in the UK in a lab setting.
- Male bees exposed to the heatwave had sperm activity cut by half.
- Female bees from the heatwave group had 15% fewer and smaller developing eggs.
- Both heatwave and control groups spun cocoons and hibernated normally.
- Over 90% of UK bee species live alone without nest mates.
- Reduced bee fertility could cause fewer bees and lower pollination of crops like apples and oilseed rape.
- The study was published in the Journal of Thermal Biology.
- The research was led by Professor James Gilbert from the University of Hull.
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