Pollinators and seasonal variation in floral resources

We study how bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are affected by changed seasonal variation in flower resources. Our goal is to better understand how mass-flowering crops and phenological mismatch with seasonal resource peaks influence population dynamics, competition and life-history optimization among pollinators. We also consider the effects of episodes of increased mortality, for example due to pesticide exposure, drought or outbreaks of diseases. By studying the temporal aspects of the pollinator environment we hope to provide new perspectives on how climate change and pesticide use influence diversity of pollinators and the ecosystem services they provide.