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Bees are among the most useful insects on the planet. They produce pollen, honey, wax, bee bread, and other valuable products. They also pollinate plants, allowing them to bear fruit and produce seeds. Cross-pollination helps increase crop yields and contributes to the development of new plant varieties.
Bees are rightfully considered some of the best pollinators because while collecting pollen, they accidentally transfer it from one flower to another. However, it is interesting to note that the first «pollen carriers» were not bees, but their ancient ancestors that still exist today — known as thrips.
Thrips — among the first pollinators on earth
During geological research that lasted more than 20 years in the northern region of Spain, a team of scientists led by E. Peñalver discovered large deposits of amber. Inside the amber, researchers found fossilized remains of flowers and insects that lived during the Late Cretaceous period (approximately 110–105 million years ago).
Among them were thrips, representatives of the insect order Thysanoptera. These tiny insects (less than 2 mm long) most likely fed on the juices of grasses and shrubs and were unable to fly long distances.
Using X-ray tomography, scientists discovered tiny grains of pollen from ancient gymnosperms on their abdomens, which were completely covered with special ring-shaped hairs. Some of these plant species have survived to the present day, including the ginkgo tree. Among these ancient plants were species that were already divided into male and female forms. This means that pollen transfer by thrips played an important role in their reproduction and fertilization.
Scientists consider the presence of these specialized hairs on the insects’ bodies direct evidence that thrips were ancient pollinators carrying pollen on their bodies.
Interestingly, today there are around 2,000 species of thrips on Earth. Most of them live inside flowers, feeding on nectar and fruit ovaries. Many species damage trees, shrubs, and grasses by preventing the normal development of seeds and grains.
Some thrips also spread diseases and plant viruses that slow growth and may even cause plants to die. Unlike thrips, bees are beneficial pollinators that support the reproduction of around 90% of wild flowering plant species worldwide and significantly increase the fruit yield of many agricultural crops. The health of bee colonies directly affects honey production, as well as the speed and effectiveness of pollen transfer. To keep colonies strong and resistant to diseases and environmental stress, bees need to live in hives with a stable and comfortable microclimate.
Today, PPU beehives made from polyurethane foam are considered one of the best solutions. This inert material provides excellent thermal insulation and moisture protection.
CraftOil PPU beehives — the best «homes» for bees
CraftOil offers a wide range of products and equipment for beekeeping. Our catalog always includes certified polymer beehives, as well as hive bodies, frames and bottoms. Our PPU 10-frame beehive 300 mm, 10-frame 145 mm beehive, PPU 10-frame 230 mm hive, and other models are resistant to moisture, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. Thanks to these properties, bee colonies living in PPU hives can easily maintain an optimal internal climate. We provide a 1-year warranty for every model, offer fast delivery throughout Ukraine, and guarantee premium-class quality.
CraftOil also offers an excellent range of organic products: raw vegetable oils, nuts, grains, seeds and defatted flour made from oilcake. Try our sesame oil, poppy seed oil, black cumin flour, milk thistle meal, amaranth grains, chia seeds, sweet almonds, walnut pieces and other natural products to experience their positive effects on health, well-being, and overall mood.
To learn more about the features of PPU beehives or choose the right product for you, simply submit a request on our website and wait for our managers to contact you.
