Three North Dakota State scientists have figured out a way to make giant bees.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the three scientists’ work. Titled “Developmental regulation of body size in the solitary bee, Osmia Lignaria: An alternative to the critical weight paradigm,” the report focused on how the metamorphosis (growing into their adult bodies) of bees could be controlled and predicted.
The three scientists on this team were Kendra Greenlee, an associate professor of biological sciences, Julia Bowsher, an associate professor of biological sciences, and Bryan Helm, a post-doctoral fellow. The study found that the blue orchard bees start their metamorphosis when their food supply runs out. This is how the team was able to create mini bees as well as bees 10 times the normal size.
Other insects begin their metamorphosis when they reach a certain weight. What makes blue orchard bees different is that the larva is fed by the parents. So once the food supply runs out, the larva begin their metamorphosis. The group hypothesizes that some of the other insects that are tended to by their parents like the blue orchard bee could potentially lead to similar results.
Bowsher said that the reason that this bee is important is because it pollinates orchards that grow all kinds of different fruits.
“Blue orchard bees pollinate tree crops such as almonds, apples and cherries,” Bowsher said. The bee is native to the United States and they also pollinate wild trees. These bees are sold commercially to pollinate trees at these orchards. This research could be key to making more efficient and better bees.
“In many insects, body size affects performance and fitness,” Bowsher said. “Being able to manipulate body size could allow bee managers to grow healthier bees that are better pollinators.”
The group plans to continue their research into the size of bees. Whether having a larger size will help with pollination performance is still a mystery. This is where the trio plans to continue their research.