New research on Australian native bees indicates that species nesting in plant stems are the most exposed to rising temperatures from climate change. Underground-nesting bees appear better able to avoid extreme heat. Tropical species also show particular vulnerability despite adaptations to warm conditions.
The study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed heat tolerance across 95 bee species in eastern mainland Australia. Researchers from multiple universities, including Macquarie University and the University of Sydney, found that nesting behavior strongly influences survival chances.
Lead author Dr. Carmen da Silva noted that stem-nesting bees lack insulation and cannot escape high temperatures. In contrast, ground-nesting bees can burrow to cooler depths. She stated that stem-nesting species are likely to be the most impacted by anthropogenic climate change in the near term.
Senior author Dr. Vanessa Kellermann explained that even heat-tolerant tropical bees may have limited capacity for further warming. Co-author Dr. Ros Gloag emphasized the need to understand native bee behavior to protect populations. The findings highlight risks to pollinators essential for ecosystems and crops such as macadamias and avocados.