A study in the Colorado Rockies shows that wild bees strategically select flowers to meet their nutritional needs, balancing protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Over eight years, researchers tracked eight bumblebee species and analyzed the pollen they collected, revealing large variations in nutrient content. Spring flowers were richer in protein, while late-summer blooms offered more fats and carbohydrates.
Individual bees adjusted their diets as colonies grew, and different species occupied distinct nutritional niches. Larger bees with longer tongues preferred protein-rich pollen, while smaller bees favored pollen higher in carbohydrates and fats. These findings highlight that bees forage strategically rather than randomly, reflecting their complex nutritional needs.
The research emphasizes the importance of conserving floral diversity to support pollinator health. By ensuring access to a range of nutrient-rich flowers, conservationists and gardeners can help sustain wild bee populations, which are vital for ecosystem health and human food systems.
