Insect Pollinators Initiative
The Insect Pollinators Initiative aims to develop a better understanding of the complex relationships between biological and environmental factors which affect the health and lifespan of insect pollinators.
Insect pollinators include honey and bumble bees, butterflies and moths. They play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and putting food on our tables through the pollination of many vital crops. These insects are susceptible to a variety of disease and environmental threats, some of which have increased significantly over the last five to ten years. As a result, the numbers of pollinators have been declining steadily in recent years. More about the Insect Pollinators Initiative research programme
Events and announcements
Combined pesticide exposure linked to impaired bumblebee colony success
22 Oct 2012
Individual bees and entire colonies are affected by exposure to a combination of pesticides, new research shows. Combined pesticide exposure linked to impaired bumblebee colony success
New projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators
22 Jun 2010
The projects will explore the causes and consequences of threats to insect pollinators and ask questions about the recent decline of bees and other pollinating insects. New projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators
About the programme
- Insect Pollinators Initiative home
- Background
- Events and announcements
- Awards, facts and figures
- Resources
- Contacts
Related links
External links
- BBSRC - Insect Pollinators Initiative
- Defra
- Wellcome Trust
- The Scottish Government - Environment Biology & Agriculture Research
Planet Earth Online stories about this programme:
- Honeybee parasite found in Scotland
- Plants manipulate honeybees' memory with caffeine
- Bee brain study reveals pesticide effect