A study in the Colorado Rockies has found that wild bees strategically select flowers to balance their intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Researchers tracked eight species of bumblebees over eight years, collecting pollen from the flowers they visited and analyzing its nutrient content. Protein levels in pollen varied widely, from 17% to 86%, and shifted throughout the season, with spring flowers richer in protein and late-summer blooms higher in fats and carbohydrates.
The study also revealed distinct nutritional niches among bee species. Larger bees with longer tongues favored protein-rich pollen, while smaller bees with shorter tongues sought out pollen higher in carbohydrates and fats. Individual bees adapted their diets as their colonies developed, reflecting changing nutritional needs.
These findings highlight the importance of floral diversity for pollinator health. Ensuring access to a variety of nutrient-rich flowers can support wild bee populations, which are critical for ecosystem stability and global food systems. Understanding how bees forage and balance their diets can guide conservation efforts and inform garden design to sustain pollinator nutrition.
