Brock University is ramping up its study of bees, which has included finding two rare species of bumble bees on the Brock University campus.
In spring, males emerge first and guard nest entrances by chasing and fighting other bees, which has given PhD student Lyllian Corbin a chance to examine the rare species that have been found.
Her research aims to understand the impact of male carpenter bees on nest guarding, which is crucial for bee survival and reproduction. With declining bee populations, Corbin’s work could help determine if human-induced environmental changes pose a risk to bees.
Meanwhile, the governments of Canada and Ontario are increasing funding to the Honey Bee Health Initiative by up to $1 million to help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations in Ontario.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)
