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Spring queens predict nest sites 2014 revised 30 March.pdf (143.2 kB)

Location of bumblebee nests is predicted by counts of nest-searching queens

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posted on 2023-06-09, 06:25 authored by Steph O'Connor, Kirsty Park, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson
1. Bumblebee nests are difficult to find in sufficient numbers for well replicated studies. Counts of nest-searching queens in spring and early summer have been used as an indication of preferred nesting habitat, but this relationship has not yet been validated; high densities of nest-searching queens may indicate habitat with few nesting opportunities (meaning that queens have to spend longer looking for them). 2. From mid April 2010, queen bumblebees were counted along twenty transects in grassland and woodland habitats in Central Scotland, UK. The number of inflorescences of suitable forage plants were also estimated at each transect visit. The area surrounding each transect was searched for nests in the summer. 3. In total 173 queen bumblebees were recorded on transects, and of these 149 were engaged in nest-searching. Searches subsequently revealed 33 bumblebee nests. 4. The number of nest-searching queens on transects was significantly, positively related to the number of nests subsequently found. Estimated floral abundance along the transect did not correlate with numbers of nest-searching queens or the number of nests found, suggesting that queens do not target their searching to areas locally high in spring forage. 5. The data suggest that counts of nest-searching queens do provide a useful positive indication of good nesting habitat, and hence where bumblebee nests are likely to be found later in the year.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Ecological Entomology

ISSN

0307-6946

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

6

Volume

42

Page range

731-736

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-05-26

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-07-11

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-05-26

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