Home / Science / Bees Face August 'Nectar Gap': Effort Outweighs Reward
Bees Face August 'Nectar Gap': Effort Outweighs Reward
25 Aug
Summary
- Honeybees expend more effort for less energy gain in late summer.
- Fewer blooming flowers and increased pollinator competition cause nectar scarcity.
- Allowing late-summer weeds like thistles to flower can support bees.
Honeybees experience a difficult late summer as nectar availability dwindles. Research from the University of Sussex indicates that from late July into August, bees expend more energy foraging than they gain. This phenomenon, termed the 'nectar gap,' arises from a decline in blooming flowers and heightened competition among pollinators.
The study observed that bees in Brighton and Edinburgh demonstrated similar foraging challenges. This suggests a widespread issue across Britain, where landscapes appear green but offer insufficient nectar. The energetic cost of nectar collection can outweigh the rewards, making foraging less efficient for the bees.
Experts suggest that allowing common late-summer flowering weeds, such as thistles and ragwort, to bloom can provide essential sustenance. This simple measure can significantly aid bees by filling the critical food gap that occurs when other floral resources are scarce. Councils and gardeners can adjust mowing schedules to accommodate these vital plants.
Extreme weather, like heat waves, can exacerbate nectar scarcity by disrupting flowering patterns and reducing available nectar. These conditions, combined with habitat loss, underscore the importance of preserving late-blooming plants. Supporting other flower-visiting insects, beyond honeybees, may also benefit from these practices.
