The ecology, evolution and conservation of wild, native bees

Dan Cariveau, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota

Dan Cariveau's lab group is focused on the ecology, conservation, and restoration of native, wild bee communities and the pollination services they provide. His lab currently has three main research areas. First, how to most effectively restore and manage habitat for native bees and pollination? Second, how to best monitor native bees? Finally, there is a robust natural history component to the lab's work. There is so little known about the native bees, leading to an incredible opportunity to uncover taxonomy, basic biology and ecology of these important insects. Mr. Cariveau's research hopes to inform and thus relies upon collaboration with state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, farmers, and local communities. 

There are over 20,000 species of bees and many are vital pollinators of crops and wild plants. Mr. Cariveau will give a brief overview of the ecology, evolution and natural history of native bees. He will also discuss conservation issues here in Minnesota and beyond.