WEBINAR — Florida’s Native Bees: Biology, Identification and Conservation

“Florida’s Native Bees: Biology, Identification and Conservation” by John Ternest originally aired May 18, 2022. View the recording above.

Did you know Florida is home to over 320 species of native bees? In this talk, John Ternest introduces you to some of the most common or notable Florida native bee species, including some interesting specialist bees. He shows you where to find them and how to identify them, and will discuss steps we can take as plant enthusiasts to help conserve these bees.

John Ternest is a PhD student in the Mallinger Pollinator Ecology Lab of the University of Florida’s Entomology and Nematology Department. John’s research focuses on commercial blueberry production, where he has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to improving pollination and yield through bee behavior, flower traits and farm management. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado Boulder, and a master’s degree from Purdue University where he studied integrated pest and pollinator management in commercial watermelon production. His previous work has inspired him to continue researching bees, specifically at the intersection of ecology and agricultural management. Follow John on Twitter (@TernestJ) for updates on research, photos of insects, and a glimpse into the life of a graduate student.