Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Bernd Heinrich drew this map showing three flights between Bee food sources and their hive. Research indicates that unlike humans, Bees can see ultraviolet light. Many flowers have patterns of UV within their petals, attracting the Bees and pollinating the plants, ensuring the survival of both.
Bee populations are dependent on plants, and humans are dependent on Bees for food. Neonicotinoids (neonics) are pesticides people coat on seeds or spray on soil. Neonics saturate the tissue of plants, eventually showing up in pollen and nectar. Neonics disrupt learning and memory in Bees, and the chemicals impair reproduction resulting in Bee populations being reduced up to 75%.
A June 2022 report issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency noted that, Widely used neonicotinoid insecticides likely harm roughly three-fourths of all endangered plants and animals, including all 39 species of amphibians protected under the Endangered Species Act… Species found to be harmed by all three of the neonicotinoids include Rusty Patched Bumblebees, Whooping Cranes, Chinook Salmon, Northern Long-eared Bats and Orcas.
The European Union, parts of Canada, and a few states including Maine banned neonicotinoids, but they remain one of the most popular insecticides in the United States.
About This Item
- Title: "Map of Bee Flight Paths," Weld, ca. 1980
- Creator: Bernd Heinrich
- Creation Date: circa 1980
- Subject Date: circa 1980
- Location: Weld, Franklin County, ME
- Media: Pencil on paper
- Local Code: 2018.213.419
- Object Type: Image
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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