‘Floral buzzing’ to collect pollen as exhausting for bees as flight take-off, study shows
A study from the University of Sussex reveals that collecting pollen through 'floral buzzing' is as exhausting for bees as taking off in flight. This energy-intensive process forces bees to selectively choose which flowers to visit, impacting pollination patterns. The findings highlight the challenges bees face due to climate change and habitat loss, which could further strain their energy resources.
- ▪Bees expend as much energy collecting pollen through buzzing as they do during flight take-off.
- ▪The study measured the energy costs of buzz pollination for the first time, revealing its significant impact on bee behavior.
- ▪Declining nectar availability due to climate change may influence which plants bees choose to pollinate.
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Collecting pollen is far more exhausting for bees than scientists realised, research from the University of Sussex finds. Photograph: Mario Vallejo-Marin/University of SussexView image in fullscreenCollecting pollen is far more exhausting for bees than scientists realised, research from the University of Sussex finds. Photograph: Mario Vallejo-Marin/University of SussexThe age of extinctionBees‘Floral buzzing’ to collect pollen as exhausting for bees as flight take-off, study showsVibrating flowers uses huge amounts of energy, forcing bees to choose which plants to visit and affecting which ones are pollinatedThe age of extinction is supported byAbout this contentMatthew PearceWed 20 May 2026 04.41 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 04.44 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleBees use as…
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