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Date of Award

5-1-1998

Document Type

Restricted Thesis: Campus only access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Bradley Wayne Goodner

Abstract

Honeybees have long been used to pollinate agricultural crops, but due to recent mite infestation, honeybee populations across the US are rapidly declining. Our study was aimed at learning the behavior and distibution of native pollinators, especially bumblebees, in hopes that these pollinators could one day be used in agricultural settings. Over the course of one summer, we surveyed two abandoned fields in the Richmond area by censusing both flower and insect populations. In addition, through direct observation, we were able to determine possible reasons why pollinators select certain flowers. Our study also explored bumblebee distributions on a state-wide level.

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