Flowers shape the spread of viruses among wild bees, new study finds

by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
January 15, 2026

A new study shows that viruses in wild bees are closely linked to the flowers they visit and the availability of floral resources across the landscape. Researchers found that certain floral communities increase the likelihood of virus presence, and that flowers can serve as hubs for virus transmission between wild bees and honey bees. The findings suggest that pollinator conservation efforts must consider disease dynamics alongside habitat restoration.

Keep reading: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1112824

Read the Ecological Applications paper: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.70133