Presented By: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
There’s more to bees than honey
What are native bees?
Native bees are diverse.
Native bees are large.
Native bees are small, Native bees are metallic.
Native bees wear masks. Native bees are specialists.
Native bees are super pollinators.
When we talk about supporting bees, many people naturally think of honey bees. Honey bees can help pollinate crops, especially on farms where there might not be enough native pollinators around. Plus, they are the only bees that produce honey, so you can thank them for that delicious treat. However, when we consider bees’ impacts to society and the environment, it’s essential to consider their natural history.
Honey bees were introduced to the Americas from Eurasia and Africa by humans, which means they haven’t co-evolved with our native plants and animals. Since honey bees have not been a part of Michigan’s ecosystems until relatively recently, their impacts on Michigan’s ecosystems and native plant communities are not as large as their agricultural value. While honey bees are thriving in managed hives, it’s not the same story for our native bee species.
These wonderful creatures are facing challenges due to habitat loss, as their natural homes and food sources are being replaced by agricultural fields, urban areas, and non-native plants. It’s essential to give some attention to our often-overlooked native bees. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and you might not even recognize them as bees at first glance!
This exhibit aims to raise awareness about Michigan’s native bees, their appearance, behavior, and interactions with plants. By understanding and appreciating them better, we hope to inspire everyone to think about how we can support and protect these vital pollinators too.
Native bees are diverse.
Native bees are large.
Native bees are small, Native bees are metallic.
Native bees wear masks. Native bees are specialists.
Native bees are super pollinators.
When we talk about supporting bees, many people naturally think of honey bees. Honey bees can help pollinate crops, especially on farms where there might not be enough native pollinators around. Plus, they are the only bees that produce honey, so you can thank them for that delicious treat. However, when we consider bees’ impacts to society and the environment, it’s essential to consider their natural history.
Honey bees were introduced to the Americas from Eurasia and Africa by humans, which means they haven’t co-evolved with our native plants and animals. Since honey bees have not been a part of Michigan’s ecosystems until relatively recently, their impacts on Michigan’s ecosystems and native plant communities are not as large as their agricultural value. While honey bees are thriving in managed hives, it’s not the same story for our native bee species.
These wonderful creatures are facing challenges due to habitat loss, as their natural homes and food sources are being replaced by agricultural fields, urban areas, and non-native plants. It’s essential to give some attention to our often-overlooked native bees. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and you might not even recognize them as bees at first glance!
This exhibit aims to raise awareness about Michigan’s native bees, their appearance, behavior, and interactions with plants. By understanding and appreciating them better, we hope to inspire everyone to think about how we can support and protect these vital pollinators too.
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