(THE CONVERSATION) – As trees and flowers blossom in spring, bees emerge from their winter nests and burrows. For many species it’s time to mate, and some will start new solitary nests or colonies.

Late spring is swarm season — the time of year when bees reproduce and find new places to build hives. Swarms of bees leave the nest and zoom through the air, hovering on trees, fences and houses, ...

In other words, bees do not choose flowers based only on color or scent. Social behavior can also shape which plants succeed. This study took place in a controlled environment. In nature, pollinators ...