Bees perceive color differently than humans. Their vision is shifted towards the shorter wavelengths of the light spectrum, making them particularly sensitive to ultraviolet light, blue, and violet hues. While they cannot see red, they can perceive purplish hues like magenta which appear as a combination of blue and ultraviolet. For example, a flower that appears plain yellow to us might have ultraviolet nectar guides visible only to bees, directing them to the pollen and nectar source.
Understanding bee color preferences is crucial for pollination. Attracting bees to crops and gardens ensures successful fruit and seed production, vital for maintaining biodiversity and global food security. Historically, beekeepers have used this knowledge to design hives and attractants. Additionally, research on bee vision informs the development of bee-friendly urban environments and contributes to conservation efforts by aiding in the design of effective pollinator gardens.