What color of light can bees see?

Bees are equipped with specialized compound eyes that allow them to perceive a variety of wavelengths of light. Among the colors they can detect, ultraviolet light is particularly significant. This ability to see ultraviolet light is essential for bees as many flowers reflect UV wavelengths, which help the bees locate nectar. The presence of UV patterns on flowers acts as a guide, indicating where to land, which is crucial for their foraging behavior and pollination efficiency.

In contrast, bees cannot see red light. Their vision is closely aligned with the blue and green parts of the spectrum, but their sensitivity to ultraviolet light is what sets them apart from many other creatures, including humans, who cannot see UV. Understanding the importance of ultraviolet light in the context of a bee's foraging and ecological interactions is vital for those interested in beekeeping and pollinator conservation.