Bees concentrating nectar

This is a project that compiles observations of bees concentrating nectar with their mouthparts (also known as "bubbling"). Limited to pictures where a nectar bubble is clearly visible.

It is meant to help with a research project conducted by myself and Dr. John Ascher. By compiling lots of different observations, this will document how widespread this behavior is and provide clues as to why bees do it. Most bees appear to concentrate nectar in order to fit more energy in their tummies, but others seem to concentrate the nectar to help prepare it before adding it to their larval provisions. less ↑