With increased awareness of bee pollinators and the value of their conservation over recent years, there has been growing discussion (and controversy!) over the nature of the relationships between managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild bees. In this episode, Kristen and Sara chat with entomologist Jon Elmquist, who shares the current evidence for conflict between managed honey bees and wild bees and the implications this may have for bee conservation efforts. Along the way you'll learn how Jon got interested in pollinators and conservation, some of the differences between honey bees and wild bees, and hear about some of the amazing native bee species in North America.

Resources for this episode:

Scientific American: The Problem with Honey Bees

Floral Resource Competition Between Honey Bees and Wild Bees: Is There Clear Evidence and Can We Guide Management and Conservation?

An Overview of the Potential Impacts of Honey Bees to Native Bees, Plant Communities, and Ecosystems in Wild Landscapes

What are the 4Rs?