Macronutrient composition in pollen affects development and survival in wild bees

Pollinators rely on diverse floral resources to meet their nutritional needs, as pollen macronutrient composition varies significantly among plant species, influencing bee development and survival. In this study, we collected freshly laid eggs of the small carpenter bee (Ceratina calcarata) from artificial nest substrates and reared them on diets formulated with black poplar (Populus nigra) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) pollen, while closely monitoring developmental metrics, lipid content, and survival. We also conducted macronutrient analyses on both pollen types to quantify protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars. While dandelion pollen is abundant and carbohydrate-rich, it contained lower levels of protein, essential amino acids, and several fatty acids in our analyses, a nutrient profile that corresponded with slower larval development in our study. In contrast, black poplar pollen despite being primarily wind-dispersed had higher concentrations of protein, essential am..., , # Macronutrient composition in pollen affects development and survival in wild bees

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.4mw6m90r7](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4mw6m90r7)

## Description of the data and file structure

Nutritional manipulation of wild bees fed on pollen balls made of different ratios of poplar and dandelion in comparison to control field collected pollen balls with no nutritional modification. Eggs were placed on control or experimental pollen balls and developmental rates and survival to adulthood recorded as well as body size and lipid stores in those individuals that survived to adulthood across treatments.

### Files and variables

#### File: Supplementary_Tables_Phys_Ent_July_29.xlsx

**Description:** 

**Table S1. Head width measurements**. Head width (mm) of adult bees across different treatments. Measurements are taken at the widest part of the head capsule post-eclosion.

**Table S2. Development time**. Total days from egg to adult emergence for individual bees under...,