It is well documented that bees mix pollen in storing it into cells. Cells are not labeled to one type pollen, or by the use of one bee. And it's best they do this for a variety of reasons. But a picture of mixed pollen in cells does not equate into any suggestion that bees mix pollen by collecting from different flowers on the same trip.
Bees cue in on a flower type based on color, form and scent. Once a bee collects from one type flower, rarely does the bees switch to another. It can happen, but as I said, rarely. If it does happen, it is over time that a bee moves onto a new flower source.
If you tell me your reference about bees visiting multiple different flower sources, I will graciously counter with a reference of my own.
I am not sure your references, but von Frisch and E. Opfinger did many studies on the subject. Bees had memories "programmed" to a certain flower scent for at least five days after the source was removed. So the idea or suggestion that bees will move willingly from one type flower to another would be questionable.
Yes, a certain amount of "recruitment" within the hive will sway others to a more nutritious nectar or pollen source. But those changes in plans happen within the hive, not on the fly.
As for your picture, it means little in the conversation. I don't mean that to come across wrong. It's just apples and oranges, that's all.
Bees cue in on a flower type based on color, form and scent. Once a bee collects from one type flower, rarely does the bees switch to another. It can happen, but as I said, rarely. If it does happen, it is over time that a bee moves onto a new flower source.
If you tell me your reference about bees visiting multiple different flower sources, I will graciously counter with a reference of my own.
I am not sure your references, but von Frisch and E. Opfinger did many studies on the subject. Bees had memories "programmed" to a certain flower scent for at least five days after the source was removed. So the idea or suggestion that bees will move willingly from one type flower to another would be questionable.
Yes, a certain amount of "recruitment" within the hive will sway others to a more nutritious nectar or pollen source. But those changes in plans happen within the hive, not on the fly.
As for your picture, it means little in the conversation. I don't mean that to come across wrong. It's just apples and oranges, that's all.