Features of urban green space favourable for large and diverse bee populations (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apiformes)

Cities are habitats created almost exclusively for a single species, Homo sapiens. However, the mosaic-like character of urban environments may create favourable living conditions for various populations of bees. Due to the negative impact of intensified agriculture and landscape fragmentation on pollinator insects, interest in urban areas as refuges for local bee fauna is growing. The author's three-year research has shown that the distance of a bee community from a large green space with direct connection to suburban areas is the decisive factor for bee species richness in a city. The proximity of such green space areas facilities penetration of species into cities. As for the density of bees in the urban environment, it was largely determined by host plant cover. These data are of practical importance, as they may be used in future urban green space planning.