Honey bee foraged pollen reveals temporal changes in pollen protein content and changes in forager choice for abundant versus high protein flowers

Protein derived from pollen is an essential component of healthy bee diets. content in honey foraged-pollen varies temporally and spatially, but the drivers underlying this variation remain poorly characterized. We assessed temporal spatial collected 12 Michigan apiaries over 3 summers (2015–2017). simultaneously monitored forage flowering habitats (uncultivated floristically-rich areas conservation program land) near these throughout growing season. used data, along with data literature on plant protein content, to determine if bees a greater proportion species higher abundance or that have content. decreased July September every year, there were among-year differences protein, highlighting by insects. Pollen was spatially consistent broad-scale land use categories not correlated Rather, our findings suggest found across can support foraging, which may confound broader effects. In early September, colonies plants grew habitats, late through August, high-protein taxa, regardless abundance. This suggests different factors influence forager decision-making season as colony needs and/or available communities change. Insights into role foraging could deepen understanding behavior help inform habitat restoration programs for improved nutrition outcomes. • Honey foraged decreases July-September differs annually. With wildflower use, constant. abundant, often non-native taxa ( Solidago , Trifolium Plantago ). collect July-August. Other times, gather abundant plants.