Landscape context affects trap-nesting bees, wasps, and their natural enemies
Published source details Steffan-Dewenter I. (2002) Landscape context affects trap-nesting bees, wasps, and their natural enemies. Ecological Entomology, 27, 631-637.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
Provide nest boxes for bees (solitary bees or bumblebees) Action Link |  | |
Provide artificial nest sites for solitary bees Action Link |  | |
Provide artificial nest sites for solitary bees Action Link | |
Provide nest boxes for bees (solitary bees or bumblebees)
A replicated trial in 1997 of 120 reed Phragmites australis stem nest boxes at 15 different agricultural sites near Göttingen in Lower Saxony, Germany (Steffan-Dewenter 2002) (same study as (Gathmann & Tscharntke 2002)) found the boxes were occupied by 11 species of bee (Apidae). The red mason bee Osmia rufa and the common yellow face bee Hylaeus communis were the most widespread and common nest box occupants in this study. Fourteen percent of bee brood cells were attacked by natural enemies (brood parasites, parasitoids or predators). Nest boxes consisted of 150-180 stem sections of common reed, with diameters of 2-10 mm, cut 20 cm-long and put in 10.5 cm diameter plastic tubes. Reed-filled tubes were attached to wooden posts 1-1.2 m above the ground, with four nest boxes to a post. Two posts (eight nest boxes) were placed at 15 different sites from April to October. In October, occupied reeds were cut open and the number of brood cells in each stem counted. Occupants were reared in the laboratory and identified to species where possible.
Provide artificial nest sites for solitary bees
A trial of 120 reed stem nest boxes at 15 different agricultural sites near Göttingen in Lower Saxony, Germany in 1997 found the boxes occupied by 11 species of bee (Steffan-Dewenter 2002). The red mason bee Osmia rufa and the common yellow face bee Hylaeus communis were the most widespread and common nest box occupants in this study.
Provide artificial nest sites for solitary bees
In a trial of 120 reed stem next boxes in lower Saxony, Germany in 1997 (Steffan-Dewenter 2002), 14% of bee brood cells were attacked by natural enemies (brood parasites, parasitoids or predators).
