Honeybees are a wonderful insect ambassador: They’re cute. They produce honey — something that we, as humans, value. They’re vital to our agricultural industry. Plus, they dance. How can you not get behind an insect that does a little dance?
But honeybees are just one of many, many important pollinators – including a number of native bee species, some of which we already fear are extinct. Here is where I will post links to science-based information about honeybees, native bees, and our other important insect pollinators, including what we can do to support them.
- I was recently invited to do an interview about ecological conservation and the honeybee with Judith Rutschman on Nature of Conservation, a Memphis Public Libraries streaming video series.
- Science Friday featured a nice segment on Looking Beyond Honeybees. Are honey bees good for wild bees? This is an excellent audio clip addressing the potential pros and cons of domestic bees, including ways to support native bees.
- An Interview with Dr. Doug Tallamy: What if you could support native pollinators AND mow less lawn? Dr. Tallamy is a Professor of Entomology at the University of Delaware, and if you ever have an opportunity to hear him speak, don’t walk – run to his talk. If you like this High Country Gardens interview, I also encourage you to check out his book, Bringing Nature Home.
- Native Bees of North America: Native bees, their contributions to pollination, bee families, and bee look-alikes (when is a bee not a bee?)
- Ground nesting bees in your back yard! If you’re seeing a lot of small, perfect holes grouped together in your yard, surrounded by tiny piles of dirt, it may be one of these non-aggressive, solitary native pollinators.
The B(ee)log 