Changes in the dates of phenological phases of plants and insects reflect changes in climate. The aim of the study was to determine the phenological patterns and interrelationships of spring-flowering entomophilous plants (Corylus avellana L., Alnus incana Moench., Tussilago farfara L., Salix caprea L., Acer platanoides L., Taraxacum officinale L., Prunus L., Malus domestica Mill.) and the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) in response to climate change. 

The results of the studies showed that over a 60-year period, a trend towards earlier dates of all phenological events studied was observed. Significant and larger-scale changes occurred starting from the decade 1981–1990. Throughout the entire study period, with the exception of one decade, the dates of honeybee emergence on flowers correlated reliably with the dates of entomophilous plant phenophases. 

Due to the advance of plants phenophase dates the synchrony with honeybee emergence dates had a positive effect on the foraging conditions of overwintering honeybees.

Danuta Romanovskaja, Eugenija Bakšienė* and Almantas Ražukas (2023) Impact of climate change on phenology of entomophilous plants and honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)

posted by PLB, Ithaca NY USA

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