Bumble bee foraging preferences and associated floral traits: a study from Southwest Michigan

Abstract

Bumble bees provide the essential ecosystem service of pollination, aiding in agricultural plant growth and the biodiversity of native plants. Their populations are declining globally and increasing bumble bees ’ access to forage plants in any available landscape is crucial for their preservation. To address this conservation concern and inform future land management practices we explored: 1.What forage plants are available to bumble bees in select nature preserves and residential properties in Southwest Michigan? 2.Which plants are visited most frequently 3What floral traits may influence bumble bee foraging preferences? 4.Do bumble bees prefer native over adventive plants?