In recent years, pollination has become a very important research trend, and wild bees in particular play a key role in the dynamics of plant pollination. This book aims to develop a pathway through the main scientific disciplines related to wild bees. Starting from a taxonomic and biogeographical context, it explores key aspects of bee ecology and analyzes their various interactions with the environment. The multidisciplinary theoretical and practical approach of this book is intended to support researchers, professors, stakeholders, and non-specialists who want to learn more about this topic. In addition, the chapters dedicated to citizen science will stimulate curiosity for a practical approach to wild bees.
Giovanni Cilia (Dr., PhD) graduated cum laude with a Master's degree in Veterinary Biotechnological Sciences. He obtained a PhD in Veterinary Infectious Diseases from the University of Pisa. He has worked at the CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, focusing on bee pathogens, molecular biology, and wild bees. He is involved in teaching and seminar activities for academic courses. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with several research centers on projects related to the pathogen transmission, health, monitoring, and conservation of managed and wild bees.
Rosa Ranalli (Dr., PhD student) graduated cum laude in Science and Nature Management from the University of Bologna. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Milano-Bicocca, where she conducts studies on plant-pollinator interactions in urban environments. She has experience in research and monitoring of wild bees and entomophilous flora, and in communication and dissemination through various collaborations, including the Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, and participation in European projects such as Life and COST actions aimed at the conservation of plants and pollinators in the Mediterranean area.
Laura Zavatta (Dr., PhD student) graduated cum laude in Biodiversity and Evolution from the University of Bologna. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences of Bologna, focusing on the conservation of pollinators in natural areas and agroecosystems. Previously, she worked at the Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, where she collected, managed, and analyzed entomological data for wild bee monitoring projects. She gained experience through internships in bumblebee rearing, wild bee ecology, and molecular biology. She has also worked as an environmental educator in schools.
Simone Flaminio (Dr., PhD student) is a bee biologist and taxonomist, currently a PhD student at the University of Mons (UMONS). He developed a strong interest in wild bees during his undergraduate studies in Italy, where he was fascinated by their diversity. Specializing in bee taxonomy, he became a parataxonomist at CREA-AA in Bologna, contributing to the national monitoring project "BeeNet" by identifying bee specimens. He also participates in several national and European research projects. At UMONS, Flaminio's PhD research focuses on the revision of the European fauna of the genus Lasioglossum, known for its ecological diversity. His work aims to improve the understanding of its taxonomy and conservation, addressing issues such as habitat loss.
