New research reveals stem-nesting bees struggle to escape rising temperatures, while ground nesters adapt better. Their tiny homes become climate traps.

Stem-nesting bees experience 5°C higher internal temperatures than ground nesters during heatwaves

35% of Australia’s native bee species nest in stems or wood cavities

Researchers warn stem-nesters may decline faster than other bees

Loss of these pollinators could disrupt ecosystems and agriculture

At 50°C, bee larvae die within 2 hours – a temperature stem nests reach 3x faster than ground nests.

Bees in Stems Face First Wave of Climate Crisis as Tiny Homes Trap Heat