Bees forage and utilize centipedegrass pollen

Authors: IBIYEMI, OLUWATOMI - University Of Georgia; Harris-Shultz, Karen; JESPERSEN, DAVID - University Of Georgia; ULYSHEN, MICHAEL - Us Forest Service (FS); SCHWARTZ, BRIAN - University Of Georgia; JOSEPH, SHIMAT - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Conservation
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/29/2026
Publication Date: 7/18/2026
Citation: Ibiyemi, O.D., Harris-Shultz, K.R., Jespersen, D., Ulyshen, M.D., Schwartz, B.M., Joseph, S.V. 2026. Bees forage and utilize centipedegrass pollen. Journal of Insect Conservation. 30:61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-026-00793-w.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-026-00793-w

Interpretive Summary: Bees are critical pollinators of the world's fruits, nuts, and vegetables, yet there is a global decline in bee populations. With the increasing urbanization of the world, it is important to understand what resources bees are using in these environments. Centipedegrass is a common turfgrass grown in the southeastern United States and its pollen is frequently collected by bumble bees, honey bees, and sweat bees. In this study, we sought to understand if bees are predominantly collecting grass pollen when foraging on centipedegrass pollen and if centipedegrass pollen can support bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) development. We found that bees collect significantly more grass pollen than non-grass pollen when foraging on centipedegrass. Using molecular methods, we found that bumble bees also collected pollen from the grasses zoysiagrass and Paspalum but also from the non-grasses ivy, crepe myrtles, Solanum (includes tomato), and elms. We also found that similar numbers of bumble bee larvae developed feeding on centipedegrass pollen as compared to butterfly bush. Together these data show that bees are utilizing grass pollen and that the pollen is sufficient in quality to support larval and pupal development.

Technical Abstract: Bees are crucial for pollination, producing 35% of the world's fruits, nuts, and vegetables. However, the decline in bee populations due to habitat loss, monoculture farming, pesticide use, and urbanization threatens biodiversity and agricultural sustainability. Thus, it is critical to identify additional resources for pollinators. Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a common turfgrass in the southeastern United States, which can provide pollen resources to foraging bees. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) pollen load composition of bees foraging on centipedegrass spikes, and 2) the utilization of centipedegrass pollen for larval development. In 2021 and 2022, foraging bees were collected from five centipedegrass lawns at 10-12 d and 14-16 d post-mowing (early and late flowering phases), and pollen loads were examined. Bees collected significantly more Poaceae than non-Poaceae pollen, and their pollen counts were significantly greater during early than late flowering in 2021 and 2022. Bombus spp. foraged more in September than in other months. Pollen metabarcoding revealed that bees foraging on centipedegrass frequently collected other grass pollens (Zoysia and Paspalums) as well as non-grasses (Hedera, Lagerstroemia, Solanum, and Ulmus). The no-choice experiment showed that similar numbers of Bombus impatiens larvae developed feeding on centipedegrass pollen compared to those developed on butterfly bush. Thus, the data show that bees collect centipedegrass pollen, and that the pollen is of sufficient quality to support larval and pupal development.