Bee Flight Suffers under Temperature Extremes
Published:23 Aug.2021 Source:Imperial College London
Rising temperatures could help some northern-latitude bees fly better, but more frequent extreme weather events could push them past their limits.
Bees' flight performance affects their ability to pollinate plants -- a crucial service for many of our crops. Now, researchers from Imperial College London have measured the relationship between bumblebee flight performance and surrounding temperature. Measuring the motivation of bumblebees to fly and their flight endurance, the team found performance rose rapidly from the lower tested limit of 12°C and peaked between 25°C~27°C. Beyond this, however, they found performance started to decline.