Short-term effects of introduced honeybees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on native megachild bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in temperate, mixed-wood forests

The introduction of non-native honeybees and their subsequent impact on native pollinators has been poorly studied into temperate, mixed-wood forests. As generalist pollinators, honeybees are likely to compete with native bees, such as stem-nesting Megachile species, for pollen and nectar resources, and this could lead to significant declines in both. Here, we examine the short-term effects of honeybee introductions on native, generalist Megachile species. Resource competition will be assessed by quantifying pollen from honeybee hives and honey, and comparing it to pollen and leaf petals found in “trap nests” of Megachile bees. As well, reproductive success of native Megachiles in terms of number of progeny, number of parasitized progeny, and number of eggs that fail to develop, will be compared between forests sites where honeybees are present and absent. Our findings will be one of the first temperate forest studies to provide solid evidence as to the impact of honeybee introduction on native bee fauna.