Ground-nesting bees on farms lack food, grow smaller

Credit: Heather Grab/Provided

Comparison of small and large Andrena nasonil bees from the study region.

According to a recent study, the size of a common ground-nesting bee – an important crop pollinator – has grown smaller in heavily farmed landscapes.

The link between intensive agriculture and the size of Andrena nasonii bees has important implications for how farmers might diversify these landscapes to benefit bees. It also points out yet another potential threat to pollinators, along with mites, pesticides and loss of habitat.