The effects of herbivory on the reproduction of a solitary bee

Pollinators can interact with plants in multiple ways, relying on both floral and non-floral tissues, yet little is known about how herbivory-induced plant defenses influence pollinator behavior and reproduction. Here, I present how herbivory impacts reproductive success in Osmia bruneri, a solitary mason bee native to the Northern Rocky Mountains that uses both pollen and leaf material from plants. Focusing on elevational gradients in Northern Utah, I examine (1) overlap in plant species used for pollen and nesting material, (2) how herbivory affects plant selection and bee reproduction, and (3) whether these interactions vary with elevation. I use field surveys, DNA metabarcoding of bee nest material, and a manipulative cage experiment to quantify bee preferences and reproduction in relation to herbivory. My work will provide novel insights into how herbivory affects pollinators and how abiotic context alters these interactions. Results will inform pollinator conservation and management, especially as climate change reshapes plant-insect dynamics. Additionally, this research will identify key plant species for O. bruneri nesting and pollination, offering practical guidance for supporting this species in managed agricultural landscapes.