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16. Distribution and abundance of the ivy bee, Colletes hederae Schmidt & Westrich, 1993, in Sussex, southern England.

Author

Carreck, Norman L., Andernach, Johanna, Ariss, Ali, Dowd, Holly, Gant, Alex, Garbuzov, Mihail, Hennessy, Georgia, Nash, Louise, Stagg, Alexandra, and Ratnieks, Francis L. W.

Subjects
BEES, HONEYBEES, COASTAL plains, CLAY soils, ENGLISH ivy, INSECT surveys
Abstract

The solitary ivy bee Colletes hederae has recently naturally colonised the British Isles. It was first recorded in Britain in Dorset, near the south coast, in 2001. By 2021 it had reached Scotland and Ireland. It had spread to Sussex, some 100km east of Dorset by 2004, but occurred only locally. In autumn 2020, to determine the distribution and abundance of the ivy bee in Sussex, we made three surveys of 100 insects foraging on ivy flowers at 57 locations during the female flight period. We found the ivy bee at all 57. It was the second most abundant insect (22%), being outnumbered by social wasps (Vespula spp. 42%), but was more numerous than honey bees (Apis mellifera 14%). In autumn 2021 we made a further presence or absence survey at 17 additional locations, and the ivy bee was seen at each one. The results show that the ivy bee is now found throughout Sussex and is abundant. Comparisons of site characteristics showed no significant effect of urban versus rural locations on ivy bee relative abundance. It was, however, significantly more relatively abundant on Downland compared to Weald and Coastal Plain locations, and on chalk and sand derived soils compared to clay and alluvium derived soils. Possible reasons for the success of C. hederae in Britain are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2023
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17. Food for flower‐visiting insects: Appreciating common native wild flowering plants.

Author

Wignall, Veronica R., Balfour, Nicholas J., Gandy, Sam, and Ratnieks, Francis L. W.

Subjects
WILD flowers, WILD plants, ANGIOSPERMS, FLOWERING of plants, INSECT food, INSECT behavior
Abstract

Native wild flowering plants provide important season‐round nectar and pollen resources for flower‐visiting insects, but many are unappreciated or even disliked by members of the public; for example ivy (Hedera spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.).This antipathy has received little research attention despite a pressing need for a societal shift towards greater awareness of such plants and recognition of their ecological value.Engendering greater awareness and appreciation of common wild‐growing plants could greatly improve floral resource availability for flower‐visiting insects, enhance biodiversity and simultaneously benefit human physical and mental well‐being.However, there are multiple challenges to changing public attitudes. Knowledge of common wild flowering plants among members of the public is limited and this phenomenon is symptomatic of a diminishing human connection to nature. While many species of wild flowering plants may be overlooked due to a lack of awareness or knowledge, it is evident that some 'weeds' are actively unpopular.Reframing societal perceptions towards ecological value could be achieved in several ways including through formal education, messaging by the media, businesses and environmental organisations, and by encouraging public participation in urban land management. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2023
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24. Biomimicry: Further Insights from Ant Colonies?

Author

Ratnieks, Francis L. W., Hutchison, David, Series editor, Kanade, Takeo, Series editor, Kittler, Josef, Series editor, Kleinberg, Jon M., Series editor, Mattern, Friedemann, Series editor, Mitchell, John C., Series editor, Naor, Moni, Series editor, Nierstrasz, Oscar, Series editor, Pandu Rangan, C., Series editor, Steffen, Bernhard, Series editor, Sudan, Madhu, Series editor, Terzopoulos, Demetri, Series editor, Tygar, Doug, Series editor, Vardi, Moshe Y., Series editor, Weikum, Gerhard, Series editor, Liò, Pietro, editor, Yoneki, Eiko, editor, Crowcroft, Jon, editor, and Verma, Dinesh C., editor

Published
2008
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