Bees with a penchant for violet flowers fare better when it comes to collecting nectar, according to research by scientists at the University of London.
The researchers, studying nine bee colonies in southern Germany, found that the colony with the strongest preference for violet-coloured flowers brought home 41 per cent more nectar than the colony with the weakest bias. Bees in the area probably developed this preference because higher levels of the sugary liquid are found in violet blooms.
And studies carried out in the lab using artificial flowers show the furry insects appear to be born with an innate sense of which colour works for them. While it may take us years to realise we look good in green, some young bees that have never even seen a flower will go straight for violet-coloured ones.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
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