Pollination

[Grandma_Yiddo]

Since moving to the UAE six months ago I have'nt seen a single bee or wasp. I don't understand how pollen is spread. Apologies if this question is in the wrong category. This has puzzled me for ages.

[sandyRoe]

Is there much to pollinate in such an arid place? Moths at night, maybe?

[Tilly2]

Maybe the pollen blows about in the breeze.

[Buenchico]

Does the UAE have many plants with large, heavily-scented flowers? (They're what you'd expect to find if insect pollination is involved). If not, anemophily may well be the answer to your question:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anemophily

[Grandma_Yiddo]

Thanks for your ideas. Most if not all fruit and vegetables are imported but there are private and public gardens. I just thought there may be a scientific explanation for their non appearance.

[Tilly2]

That's what I said, Chris. 'Tis the wind.

[Grandma_Yiddo]

Didn't see your post Buenchico till too late. Thank you.

[Clanad]

Actually, Saudia Arabia has an abundance of bees… especially the Megachilidae … and perhaps 25 to 30 other subspecies. Most are rare in the western countries or those of more moderate climate… They've beens studied extensively such as A.M. Al-Ajlan[i
[i]Study on wild (solitary) bees as crop pollinators in Al-Hasa District Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] (published in 2004… updated 2010...

Additionally, during the heat of day, even here in the U.S., bees can be found near their hives flexing their wings in unison to cool the hive.

In Saudia, many of the plants would be night blooming which would also mean that they could be pollinated by a species of bats long known for their efficiency at such activity in the Arabian peninsula...

[beso]

Bees have undergone a huge decline in many places and it is a grave concern to many.

Where I live I rarely see them any more yet they were an everyday sight twenty years ago.