Research conducted by an Irish-Swedish team has revealed that the presence of honeybees significantly impacts wild bumblebees in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains. As honeybees are introduced to the region for their prized heather honey, wild bumblebees exhibit changes in behavior and body size. This study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, highlights the intricate dynamics between these pollinators.
Findings on Bumblebee Behavior
The research team observed sites with varying numbers of honeybee hives, ranging from zero to thirty-five. They tracked the movement patterns of bumblebees over several weeks. According to Lina Herbertsson, a biology researcher at Lund University, “We saw that the bumblebees adapted quite quickly once the honeybees were moved in.” The presence of honeybees led to bumblebees spending less time on heather flowers, indicating reduced availability of nectar and pollen.
More surprisingly, the study found that bumblebees in areas with higher honeybee populations were smaller in size. This phenomenon may occur because larger bumblebees, capable of traveling farther, tend to avoid areas with many honeybees. As a result, smaller bumblebees, typically responsible for brood care, venture out to forage when the larger bees cannot.
Implications for Pollinator Dynamics
The implications of this research extend beyond the local ecosystem. Honeybees and wild bumblebees play crucial roles in pollinating not only wild flora but also essential crops such as fruits and berries. As flower-rich habitats diminish, wild pollinators face increasing pressure. The introduction of more honeybee hives can exacerbate competition for resources.
Herbertsson emphasized the importance of managing the balance between honeybees and wild pollinators. “We hope our results can help beekeepers and conservation biologists plan beehive placement so that both honeybees and wild bumblebees can thrive,” she stated. This balance is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security.
The study serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of various species within an ecosystem. As beekeeping traditions continue to thrive, understanding the impact on wild bee populations becomes essential for conservation efforts.
For more details, refer to the study titled “Honeybees have consequences for foraging bumblebees in Irish heathlands,” published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B on December 10, 2025.
