UW-Madison Researcher Investigates Native Insects As Pollinating Alternatives To Bees


By Andy Soth | May 20, 2014

FacebookTwitterEmail

Claudio Gratton has always felt that bees are, well, the “bee’s knees.” Now, the University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher has become something of an insect CSI investigator as he follows the science to discover whether or not native Wisconsin bees can be as effective in pollinating crops and flowers as the honey bee population – which has been dwindling in numbers for the past several years.

Claudio says we can all take some simple steps to encourage wild bees to pollinate… find out how.

Andy Soth

Andy Soth

Andy Soth is a reporter for the “Wisconsin Life” project who grew up in a neighboring state but now loves Wisconsin because it’s like Minnesota without the smugness. 
FacebookTwitterEmail

Sign Up Form

Sign Up for Our Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Get your favorite Wisconsin Life stories, meet the crew, and go behind the scenes.

Our Favorite Collections

Storyteller Rodney Lambright II's comic series about the rich relationship between a single father, his young daughter and his retirement-age parents.
For the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, we discover how Wisconsinites experienced the war both at home and on the battlefield.
Ice, cold and winter are an integral part of what it means to live in Wisconsin. "Ice Week" explores the many ways that ice defines us.
Food plays a central part in many holiday traditions. This series honors the foods and meals that make the day.
Escape winter with a look at some of Wisconsin's favorite sports and games.
"Living the Wisconsin Life" is an online series exploring the little things that make living in Wisconsin fun, interesting and meaningful.