Hornfaced bee use explored by NWMI Hort Station

The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that with the onset of Colony Collapse Disorder, Hornfaced bees from Japan are receiving increased attention from fruit growers. The bees reportedly handle cold temperatures and windier conditions than honeybees. Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station Director Nikki Rothwell says “Our goal for the hornfaced bees is not to replace the honeybees, but to supplement them.”

A article reports that unlike honey bees, hornfaced bees don’t store honey and are solitary bees, meaning that they don’t have queen and worker bees. Each female hornfaced bee mates, makes a nest cell of mud, collects nectar and pollen and lays eggs. Male hornfaced bees, unlike honeybee drones, also contribute to pollination.
The photo is courtesy the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station and they have more great pictures of hornfaced and honey bees and more information about the bees as well.

Read Growers turn to new bee breed in wake of die-offs in the Traverse City Record-Eagle.