kelseylangello1
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The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is the proclaimed state insect of over ten states including North Carolina. A hard working and ecologically important species, the honeybee is one of the animal pollinators responsible for the pollination of nearly 75% of the world's 115 leading agricultural crops. Though other insects, birds, and bats are also pollinators, the growth and health of crops are majorly dependent on honeybees. This is a great example of a keystone species as other species rely heavily on them and ecosystems could collapse without them. It's well known that honeybee populations have been declining for two decades (more than a 90% decline) mainly due to varroa mites and disease. Colony Collapse Disorder, an event in which the majority of worker bees abandon the hive and queen, was recognized as a serious threat in 2006 and it's thought to have been caused by by pesticides and habitat destruction, as well as parasite infestations. However, it was reported that the number of commercial honeybee colonies rose 3% in 2017 thanks to the work of beekeepers and the EPA's policy that prohibits the use of certain neonicotinoid pesticides while bees are present. Likewise, there's been a development of approved varroa mite control products. The rise in populations is hopeful but there is still more work to be done to ensure the stability of this species.
www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/state-insect/north-carol...
www.thebalance.com/bee-colony-collapse-disorder-facts-and...
www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/epa-actions-protect-pol...
Buzz Buzz
The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is the proclaimed state insect of over ten states including North Carolina. A hard working and ecologically important species, the honeybee is one of the animal pollinators responsible for the pollination of nearly 75% of the world's 115 leading agricultural crops. Though other insects, birds, and bats are also pollinators, the growth and health of crops are majorly dependent on honeybees. This is a great example of a keystone species as other species rely heavily on them and ecosystems could collapse without them. It's well known that honeybee populations have been declining for two decades (more than a 90% decline) mainly due to varroa mites and disease. Colony Collapse Disorder, an event in which the majority of worker bees abandon the hive and queen, was recognized as a serious threat in 2006 and it's thought to have been caused by by pesticides and habitat destruction, as well as parasite infestations. However, it was reported that the number of commercial honeybee colonies rose 3% in 2017 thanks to the work of beekeepers and the EPA's policy that prohibits the use of certain neonicotinoid pesticides while bees are present. Likewise, there's been a development of approved varroa mite control products. The rise in populations is hopeful but there is still more work to be done to ensure the stability of this species.
www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/state-insect/north-carol...
www.thebalance.com/bee-colony-collapse-disorder-facts-and...
www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/epa-actions-protect-pol...