Flower-covered roadside verges are considered important habitats for pollinators, especially in agricultural regions where natural meadows are becoming scarce. These vegetation strips serve as a source of food for bees, butterflies, and other insects that survive by feeding on nectar and pollen. But a new study conducted at Lund University in Sweden shows that such flower-filled road verges, despite their benefits to pollinators, pose a lethal threat. Flower-covered roadsides attract bumblebees, but it has been observed that heavy traffic turns these sites into ecological traps, resulting in the death of many bees.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!