The Bee Systematics and Biology Unit Bees and their sustaining relationships with flowering plants are central not only to crop pollination, but also to the maintenance of floral and habitat diversity.
Bees are an important natural resource.
Their diversity and distribution need to be understood if we are to manage them to our best advantage. The Bee Systematics and Biology Unit has been established to meet this need by undertaking research and consultancy work on wild bees, especially their taxonomy and floral relationships. Drawing on resident expertise in bee systematics, behaviour and pheromones, together with computer-based mapping facilities, the Bee Unit is the first of its kind outside the United States. The Hope Entomological Collections, together with the world famous Hope Library, form a unique international reference source. Additionally, we have access to facilities at the University's Field Station at Wytham and to the wide range of skills and expertise in the University's science departments.