HOR 110 Bees and Other Pollinators

Lecture Hours: 2
Credits: 2

Examines the contribution of pollinators and the impacts of pollinator loss to global agriculture. Provides basic biological and ecological information on important pollinators in Oregon. Emphasizes habitat requirements and conservation tactics for individual pollinator types. Covers principles and mechanics of beekeeping. Investigates threats to pollinators and potential solutions.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Discuss the role of pollinators in global and local agriculture.
Design a landscape that provides habitat for a variety of pollinators.
Differentiate habits and pollination services of important insect pollinators in western Oregon
Discuss the benefits and challenges of modern beekeeping.
Identify common western Oregon bees.

Content Outline

Importance of Pollinators to Horticulture/Agriculture
- Pollination services
- Other roles of pollinators in ecosystem
Pollinator Biology and Ecology
- Honey bees
- Bumble bees
- Other social nest-building bees
- Solitary bees
- Others
  - Flies
  - Bats
  - Butterflies
  - Hummingbirds
Honey Bees
- Life cycle
  - Queens, drones, workers
  - Colony ecology
  - Swarms
- Beekeeping
  - Hives
    - Types
    - Set-up
    - Maintenance
  - Tools and equipment
  - Plants and pollination
  - Pests and other threats
    - Mites
    - Colony collapse disorder
    - Pesticide issues
  - Harvest
    - Honey
    - Honeycomb
    - Beeswax
    - Pollen
    - Propolis
    - Royal jelly
Bumble Bees
- Life cycle
- Nests and nest boxes
- Plants and pollination
- Pests and other threats
  - Habitat loss
  - Pesticide issues
  - Non-native diseases
Solitary Bees Native to Western Oregon
- Wood- and cavity-nesting species
- Ground-nesting species
- Nesting habitat
- Creating habitat: artificial nests
- Pests and other threats
  - Habitat loss
  - Pesticide issues
Other Social Bees and Wasps
- Pollination services
- Challenges of coexisting with these species
Pollinator Conservation
- Creating and preserving habitat
- Protecting nests and egg-laying sites