Study finds honey bees grow aggressive without pollen

June 02, 2026

Reported by AI

A new field study shows that honey bees deprived of pollen become more aggressive and display signs of stress. Researchers simulated a pollen shortage over five weeks to examine the effects on bee behavior and health.

The research was led by Elizabeth Walsh of the Agricultural Research Service at the Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Unit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scientists from the Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystem Research Unit in Stoneville, Mississippi, also took part in the work. They compared an experimental group of bees that received limited pollen with a control group that had adequate supplies.

Study shows bumblebees sensitive to road traffic

A new study from Lund University shows that increased road traffic leads to fewer bumblebee nests along roadsides. The survey covered 60 sites in Skåne.

California hybrid bees resist deadly Varroa mites

April 21, 2026 Reported by AI

A hybrid population of honeybees in Southern California demonstrates natural resistance to Varroa mites, a major threat to bee colonies. Researchers at UC Riverside found these bees carry 68% fewer mites and require far less chemical treatment. The discovery, detailed in a new study, suggests early-life defenses in larvae may hold the key.

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Yellow-legged hornet likely established in southeastern USA

The yellow-legged hornet has likely become established in parts of Georgia and South Carolina after initial detections in 2023. Efforts to contain the invasive species have not prevented its spread. Beekeepers are advised to monitor hives closely.

UC Berkeley scientists detect alcohol in floral nectar drunk by bees and hummingbirds

March 25, 2026 Reported by AI

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have found ethanol in the nectar of most plant species examined, meaning pollinators like bees and hummingbirds consume alcohol daily. An Anna's hummingbird drinks an amount equivalent to one human alcoholic beverage per day, yet shows no intoxication. The findings, published March 25 in Royal Society Open Science, suggest evolutionary tolerance to low-level ethanol.

June 01, 2026 23:58