Is Blue the Most Attractive Color for Bees? Exploring the Attractiveness of Colors in Vane Traps

Abstract Bees play important roles in shaping ecosystems through processes like pollination. However, their populations are in decline due to habitat degradation and unsustainable agriculture. This study assesses the effectiveness of color traps for bee monitoring in two distinct yet geographically close habitats in "Jenaer Forst" natural reserve in Germany. Over a 23-week period in spring and summer 2023, we tested six trap colors (blue, yellow, white, violet, blue-yellow, and violet-white) and analyzed their performance in terms of bee abundance, diversity, and species composition. Our results indicate that violet and blue-yellow traps captured the highest bee abundance and species richness. While overall bee community composition did not differ significantly between trap colors, specific species showed color preferences. The blue-yellow trap emerged as a versatile option, potentially capturing a diverse range of species through its contrasting colors. Moreover, despite the close proximity of the two habitats, differences in community composition suggest that habitat-specific factors influence bee color preferences. Minor habitat changes significantly impacted trap effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of tailored trap designs. These findings highlight the importance of considering both color contrast and habitat context when designing bee monitoring strategies and understanding bee foraging behavior. This study contributes valuable insights to improve trap designs and enhance our understanding of the interactions between bees and their environments.