Bees Don’t Always Pick the Most Abundant Flowers—Here’s Why That Matters

For years, farmers and conservationists have tried to support bee populations by planting flower strips along fields, hoping to boost pollination and improve crop yields. But new research published in early March suggests that bees are far pickier about their pollen sources than previously thought—and that could change how we design agricultural landscapes.

A groundbreaking study published in Royal Society Open Science reveals that honeybees and bumble bees don’t just collect pollen from the most available flowers. Instead, they show clear preferences for specific plants, sometimes ignoring abundant pollen sources in favor of rarer ones. The research, led by Danny Minahan and Johanne Brunet, sheds light on how bees navigate agricultural landscapes and could reshape conservation efforts aimed at helping these crucial pollinators.

Bees Don’t Just Take What’s Available—They Pick Favorites

The study examined two species: the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens). Both are key pollinators, essential for crops and wild plants alike. Researchers tracked their pollen collection habits throughout a growing season in Wisconsin, comparing the types of pollen bees gathered to what was actually available in their environment.

What they found was surprising. Bees weren’t simply foraging on the most common flowers. Instead, they demonstrated strong preferences, sometimes favoring less abundant plants over more widespread options. For example, while honeybees showed a strong preference for flowers in the Fabaceae family—such as clover and alfalfa—bumble bees were more likely to collect from Brassicaceae plants, including mustard and canola relatives.

Even more striking was what bees didn’t collect. Despite the widespread presence of corn—a crop known to produce large amounts of pollen—neither bee species showed much interest in it. This suggests that, even when certain plants are everywhere, bees may avoid them if the pollen isn’t nutritionally valuable. In other words, just because a landscape is full of flowers doesn’t mean it’s actually providing the right food for pollinators.

Why This Matters for Farmers and Conservationists

These findings have major implications for agricultural practices. Many farms rely on agri-environment schemes (AES), such as wildflower strips, to attract pollinators and improve crop yields. But if bees are selective about their pollen sources, planting generic flower strips may not be enough. Instead, farmers and conservationists may need to be more strategic—choosing plants that bees actually prefer and that provide the best nutrition.

The study highlights the importance of maintaining plant diversity in agricultural landscapes. While honeybees and bumble bees often foraged on the same general types of plants, their preferences varied at different times of the year. That means a truly effective conservation strategy should ensure a continuous supply of bee-friendly plants throughout the growing season.

Rethinking Pollinator Conservation

The study also raises new questions about the role of wind-pollinated crops like corn. While previous studies have shown that bees sometimes collect corn pollen, its absence in this research suggests that it may be more of a last resort rather than a preferred food source. This could be an important clue for scientists studying bee health—if bees are turning to nutritionally poor pollen, it might indicate a lack of better options in their environment.

With global bee populations under pressure from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, understanding exactly what bees need is more critical than ever. This research provides a roadmap for improving pollinator conservation—one that goes beyond simply planting flowers and instead focuses on giving bees exactly what they’re looking for.

For farmers, conservationists, and anyone concerned about the future of pollinators, the message is clear: supporting bees isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality. And the best way to help them is to understand what’s really on their menu.