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A tiny species of carpenter bee, the spurred ceratina, depends on maternal care to have healthy microbiomes

In a buzzing revelation that bridges the gap between the insect and human kingdoms, York University researchers have unearthed a remarkable connection between maternal care in tiny carpenter bees and the parenting we humans hold dear. Their findings unveil an astonishing tale of microbiomes, developmental intricacies, and t

Researchers even found that motherless bees behaved differently than those with influential maternal figures.

Most wild bees are solitary, but one tiny species of carpenter bees fastidiously cares for and raises their offspring, an act that translates into huge benefits to the developing bee’s microbiome, development and health, found York University researchers. Without maternal care the pathogen load of these developing bees ballooned – 85 per cent of were fungi, while eight per cent were bacteria – which can impact their microbiome, a critical component of bee health, as well as their development, immune system and gene expression.

Researchers from York University have found that that wild bees inhabiting urban environments face escalating environmental challenges due to an increase of pathogens parasites.