New research suggests that native bee species that build their nests inside plant stems may face the greatest immediate threat from rising temperatures linked to climate change. In contrast, bees that nest underground appear better equipped to avoid dangerous heat.
The study, published in Nature Communications, examined heat tolerance in 95 native bee species found across eastern mainland Australia, spanning locations from the tropical north to the cooler southern regions.
A team of researchers from Macquarie University, The University of Sydney, La Trobe University, Flinders University, University of Wollongong, Adelaide University, and The University of Queensland explored how heat tolerance has evolved in different bee species and assessed how vulnerable they may be to a warming climate.
How Nesting Habits Affect Heat Exposure
Australia is home to about 1,700 native bee species, and these insects generally fall into three nesting categories. Some create burrows in the ground, others use cavities in wood such as tree hollows or fallen branches, and some nest inside plant stems or small existing holes in twigs.
