Wild bees and their contribution to pollination

Wild bees and their contribution to pollination

pollination is a crucial process in the reproduction of many plants. Not only honey bees, but also other insects such as wild bees take on important roles. In the following article we will explore the contribution of wild bees for pollination, as well as emphasize their ecological importance and scientific importance.

meaning of wild bees

General overview

Wild bees, also called solitary bees, are a far -reaching and diverse range of pollares. They consist of around 20,000 species worldwide, with over 550 species already counting in Germany. In contrast to the honeybee, which lives in states and lives in peoples, wild bees live in a single.

ecological meaning

Since they appear in so many different forms and species, wild bees are able to pollinate a variety of plant species. As a result, they contribute to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring that a variety of plant species bears fruits and produces seeds.

economic importance

Wild bees contribute significantly to the pollination of crops. It is believed that about a third of our foods depends directly or indirectly on the pollination by insects. The pollination benefits of wild bees are estimated at several billion euros per year.

pollination by wild bees

How does the pollination work?

Pollination is the process of transferring pollen - the male reproductive part of the plant - from the dust sheet to the scar, the female reproductive body of the plant. When a wild bee visits a flower to collect nectar, it takes over unintentionally and carries it to other flowers. In this way, the bee enables fertilization and ultimately the seed production of the plant.

efficiency of wild bees

The efficiency of wild bees in pollination is impressive. Because of their size and hair, they collect more pollen and bring them more effectively to the next flower than their domesticated counterparts. In addition, they visit a wider range of plant varieties and, in contrast to the honeybee, are also active in cooler weather.

differences between wild bees and honeybees

lifestyle and adaptability

While honeybees live as social insects in large colonies, most wild bees are solitary. In addition, wild bees better adapt to different habitats and can live in a variety of environments, including both urban and rural areas.

hazard and protection

Wild bees are generally more susceptible to environmental changes and disorders than honeybees. This is because you do not create a supply of honey and work for immediate reproduction. Because of their ecological importance and their danger, it is of high priority to ensure adequate protective measures for wild bees.

The protection of wild bees

challenges

The challenges of wild bee protection include the destruction of habitats, the increase in pesticides and other chemical influences as well as climate change. These factors affect both the survival of wild bees themselves and their ability to pollinate.

Possible steps for protection

We can contribute to the protection of wild bees by protecting and restoring their natural habitats. This can be the creation of wildflower meadows, the preservation of hedges and trees or the provision of nesting aids. Avoiding pesticides and creating bee -friendly gardens are also helpful measures.

conclusion

Wild bees play a crucial role in many ecosystems. They are significantly involved in the pollination of a variety of plants, including many crops that are important for our diet. Even if they are often in the shadow of their well -known relatives, the honeybees, their importance for nature and our agriculture should not be underestimated. In order to protect them and ensure their contribution to pollination, increased consciousness and committed protective measures are required.