Effects of Introduced Honeybees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on Native Stem Nesting Bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Temperate, Mixed-wood Forests

The present study investigates the impact of Eurasian honeybees on the functional diversity and reproductive ability of native stem-nesting bees. Honeybees have the potential to compete with native stem-nesting bees, however, currently no studies have examined this interaction in North American temperate forests. The main goal of this project is to develop a more mechanistic understanding of bee community composition and distribution, in particular, under the threat of exotic introduction. It is anticipated that this information will provide a greater ability to predict important community interactions in forest environments following the introduction of such non-native species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sandy Smith

Student:

Susan Frye

Partner:

Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserves LTD

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Forestry

University:

Program: