A new study in the Colorado Rockies shows that wild bees select flowers to balance their intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Over eight years, researchers observed eight bumblebee species and analyzed the pollen they collected, revealing wide variation in nutrient content. Protein levels ranged from 17% to 86%, and seasonal changes meant spring flowers were protein-rich while late-summer blooms were higher in fats and carbohydrates.
Individual bees adapted their diets as their colonies grew, reflecting changing nutritional needs. Larger bees with long tongues preferred protein-heavy pollen, while smaller, short-tongued bees targeted pollen richer in carbohydrates and fats. These findings highlight that bees forage strategically rather than randomly, occupying distinct nutritional niches.
The research emphasizes the importance of maintaining floral diversity to support wild pollinators’ diets. Conserving nutrient-rich flowers throughout the seasons can help ensure healthy bee populations, which are critical for both natural ecosystems and human food systems.
