Corneile Minnaar
@cminnaar.bsky.social
Postdoc at Royal Holloway Uni. London | Interested in interactions betw. pollinators, plants & parasites | Working on heather as nature's pharmacy for bumblebees in @markjfbrown.bsky.social's lab 💊🐝
Makes music for fun 🎸🎹🥁🎤
#FirstGen | 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️-ally | he/him
Makes music for fun 🎸🎹🥁🎤
#FirstGen | 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️-ally | he/him
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Deciduous leaves may have evolved to be symmetrical and subtly lobed so they fall quicker and land near their parent tree, recycling their annually sequestered carbon. Join us 22 Oct 3:00 PM (London, UK) to hear #JRSocInterface author Kaare Jensen talk about his research: cassyni.com/events/5PbU2...
October 17, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Deciduous leaves may have evolved to be symmetrical and subtly lobed so they fall quicker and land near their parent tree, recycling their annually sequestered carbon. Join us 22 Oct 3:00 PM (London, UK) to hear #JRSocInterface author Kaare Jensen talk about his research: cassyni.com/events/5PbU2...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
A common type of ant in Europe breaks a fundamental rule in biology: its queens can produce male offspring that are a whole different species
go.nature.com/4mOb5T9
go.nature.com/4mOb5T9
‘Almost unimaginable’: these ants are different species but share a mother
Ant queens of one species clone ants of another to create hybrid workers that do their bidding.
go.nature.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:34 PM
A common type of ant in Europe breaks a fundamental rule in biology: its queens can produce male offspring that are a whole different species
go.nature.com/4mOb5T9
go.nature.com/4mOb5T9
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
*Postdoc in Evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University*
We are recruiting a postdoc for a large interdisciplinary project to investigate evolutionary drivers and genomic consequences of pollen evolution in response to pollination mode shifts in flowering plants. 1/5
su.varbi.com/what:job/job...
We are recruiting a postdoc for a large interdisciplinary project to investigate evolutionary drivers and genomic consequences of pollen evolution in response to pollination mode shifts in flowering plants. 1/5
su.varbi.com/what:job/job...
September 2, 2025 at 2:20 PM
*Postdoc in Evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University*
We are recruiting a postdoc for a large interdisciplinary project to investigate evolutionary drivers and genomic consequences of pollen evolution in response to pollination mode shifts in flowering plants. 1/5
su.varbi.com/what:job/job...
We are recruiting a postdoc for a large interdisciplinary project to investigate evolutionary drivers and genomic consequences of pollen evolution in response to pollination mode shifts in flowering plants. 1/5
su.varbi.com/what:job/job...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Is the Most Effective Pollinator Principle a zombie idea? How do plants adapted to one pollinator shift to another without traversing an adaptive valley? How should we measure fitness in pollinator selection studies? We explore these questions and more in a new review doi.org/10.1093/aob/...
Beyond the Grant–Stebbins model: floral adaptive landscapes and plant speciation
AbstractBackground. Floral diversity, a striking feature of angiosperm evolution, provides the impetus and rationale for linking pollinator-driven selectio
doi.org
August 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Is the Most Effective Pollinator Principle a zombie idea? How do plants adapted to one pollinator shift to another without traversing an adaptive valley? How should we measure fitness in pollinator selection studies? We explore these questions and more in a new review doi.org/10.1093/aob/...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Light pollution is causing birds around the world to sing for longer each day, prolonging their vocalizations on average by 50 minutes, according to a new study in Science.
Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Uz7vzP
Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Uz7vzP
August 21, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Light pollution is causing birds around the world to sing for longer each day, prolonging their vocalizations on average by 50 minutes, according to a new study in Science.
Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Uz7vzP
Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Uz7vzP
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Press release for our @nature.com paper on the importance of #sterols in the diet of honeybees is here - the piece provides details on the yeast engineering & bioassays. The work was the research of my brilliant PhD student Elynor Moore www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-08...
Saving bees with ‘superfoods’: new engineered supplement found to
A new study led by the University of Oxford could provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution to help tackle the devastating decline in honeybees. An engineered food supplement, designed to
www.ox.ac.uk
August 20, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Press release for our @nature.com paper on the importance of #sterols in the diet of honeybees is here - the piece provides details on the yeast engineering & bioassays. The work was the research of my brilliant PhD student Elynor Moore www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-08...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
This is devastating. We’ve lost most Lowland Heath in England. It supports unique flora & fauna & healthy bees. Our work @rbgkew.bsky.social w/ @cminnaar.bsky.social & @markjfbrown.bsky.social studies heather nectar for compounds that protect bumblebees from parasites www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Major heath blaze at Holt Heath brought under control
More than 100 firefighters have worked to get the fast-moving fire under control.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
This is devastating. We’ve lost most Lowland Heath in England. It supports unique flora & fauna & healthy bees. Our work @rbgkew.bsky.social w/ @cminnaar.bsky.social & @markjfbrown.bsky.social studies heather nectar for compounds that protect bumblebees from parasites www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Pollinating count to track Square Mile's ecosystem Bees, butterflies and moths are being counted across the City of London on Thursday to document the state of insect populations.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Pollinating insect count for City of London
Bees, butterflies and moths are being counted across the City of London on Thursday.
www.bbc.com
July 19, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Pollinating count to track Square Mile's ecosystem Bees, butterflies and moths are being counted across the City of London on Thursday to document the state of insect populations.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Insects usually care for their own young, but sometimes they also help other species. This #RSOS study found that yellow meadow #ants protect the eggs of root aphids in their nests during winter. Read more: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/... @tparmentier.bsky.social @wybouw.bsky.social
July 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Insects usually care for their own young, but sometimes they also help other species. This #RSOS study found that yellow meadow #ants protect the eggs of root aphids in their nests during winter. Read more: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/... @tparmentier.bsky.social @wybouw.bsky.social
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
If you've not already followed the cool trans nature experts in this starter pack, you're really missing out.
Also, it's Pride! Get some more trans voices on your timeline!
Also, it's Pride! Get some more trans voices on your timeline!
June 25, 2025 at 9:22 AM
If you've not already followed the cool trans nature experts in this starter pack, you're really missing out.
Also, it's Pride! Get some more trans voices on your timeline!
Also, it's Pride! Get some more trans voices on your timeline!
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
As @royentsoc.bsky.social #InsectWeek begins, we’re excited to share the latest @pomscheme.bsky.social annual report 🐝🪰🪲
Explore this year’s findings and help us welcome The RHS as a new PoMS partner! 👏🏼
Planting a variety of flowers and creating diverse habitats is key for pollinators 🌼
🧵🧪 1/
Explore this year’s findings and help us welcome The RHS as a new PoMS partner! 👏🏼
Planting a variety of flowers and creating diverse habitats is key for pollinators 🌼
🧵🧪 1/
June 23, 2025 at 9:32 AM
As @royentsoc.bsky.social #InsectWeek begins, we’re excited to share the latest @pomscheme.bsky.social annual report 🐝🪰🪲
Explore this year’s findings and help us welcome The RHS as a new PoMS partner! 👏🏼
Planting a variety of flowers and creating diverse habitats is key for pollinators 🌼
🧵🧪 1/
Explore this year’s findings and help us welcome The RHS as a new PoMS partner! 👏🏼
Planting a variety of flowers and creating diverse habitats is key for pollinators 🌼
🧵🧪 1/
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Check out our latest blog post in celebration of #Pride 🏳️🌈
In this post, @zoomingbio.bsky.social shares fieldwork advice for researchers with marginalized identities.
Read the post here 👉 buff.ly/rJhjheF
#RainbowResearch
In this post, @zoomingbio.bsky.social shares fieldwork advice for researchers with marginalized identities.
Read the post here 👉 buff.ly/rJhjheF
#RainbowResearch
June 17, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Check out our latest blog post in celebration of #Pride 🏳️🌈
In this post, @zoomingbio.bsky.social shares fieldwork advice for researchers with marginalized identities.
Read the post here 👉 buff.ly/rJhjheF
#RainbowResearch
In this post, @zoomingbio.bsky.social shares fieldwork advice for researchers with marginalized identities.
Read the post here 👉 buff.ly/rJhjheF
#RainbowResearch
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
I found some solitary wasps so engaged @whistlingjoe.bsky.social mode, set up the probe lens and filmed :)
June 12, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I found some solitary wasps so engaged @whistlingjoe.bsky.social mode, set up the probe lens and filmed :)
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Putting this out here, but I’m available for peer-review request, guest lectures, article writing & collaborations.
My expertise is in animal behaviour & physiology with a focus in North America bats. I also have experience with wildlife diseases and veterinary medicine!
🦇🧪🌎🪶🐞🦅
My expertise is in animal behaviour & physiology with a focus in North America bats. I also have experience with wildlife diseases and veterinary medicine!
🦇🧪🌎🪶🐞🦅
June 9, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Putting this out here, but I’m available for peer-review request, guest lectures, article writing & collaborations.
My expertise is in animal behaviour & physiology with a focus in North America bats. I also have experience with wildlife diseases and veterinary medicine!
🦇🧪🌎🪶🐞🦅
My expertise is in animal behaviour & physiology with a focus in North America bats. I also have experience with wildlife diseases and veterinary medicine!
🦇🧪🌎🪶🐞🦅
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Woodlands play multiple roles in supporting farmland populations of wild bees. Deciduous woods provide floral resources, and open woodlands extend availability of understory floral resources respite from hot weather resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Localised patterns of wild bee abundance indicate woodlands play multiple roles in supporting farmland populations
Across 12 farmland sites, we deployed wild bee traps in deciduous woodland canopies and understories, and in an open habitat (at field margins) before and after canopy closure.
Post-canopy closure, .....
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 8, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Woodlands play multiple roles in supporting farmland populations of wild bees. Deciduous woods provide floral resources, and open woodlands extend availability of understory floral resources respite from hot weather resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Loving the benefits of nature restoration on our beautiful campus @royalholloway.bsky.social @rhulbiology.bsky.social
May 29, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Loving the benefits of nature restoration on our beautiful campus @royalholloway.bsky.social @rhulbiology.bsky.social
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Global change reshuffles species communities: who could interact with whom? We introduce new ways to measure the capacity of species & communities to rewire interactions, which can be used to predict how ecological networks might adapt to changing conditions.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
May 30, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Global change reshuffles species communities: who could interact with whom? We introduce new ways to measure the capacity of species & communities to rewire interactions, which can be used to predict how ecological networks might adapt to changing conditions.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
In a new study just published, I teamed up with some Brazilian colleagues to explore how the different features of garden flowers help sustain #pollinators throughout the year in a subtropical urban garden.
Read more about it here: jeffollerton.co.uk/2025/05/30/a...
#biodiversity #ecology #bees
Read more about it here: jeffollerton.co.uk/2025/05/30/a...
#biodiversity #ecology #bees
A new study shows how garden flowers keep city pollinators flying all year round
When we think of cities, gardens might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But these green patches — whether in private yards, parks, or balconies — play a surprisingly important role in sup…
jeffollerton.co.uk
May 30, 2025 at 1:27 PM
In a new study just published, I teamed up with some Brazilian colleagues to explore how the different features of garden flowers help sustain #pollinators throughout the year in a subtropical urban garden.
Read more about it here: jeffollerton.co.uk/2025/05/30/a...
#biodiversity #ecology #bees
Read more about it here: jeffollerton.co.uk/2025/05/30/a...
#biodiversity #ecology #bees
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Methods paper by Ollerton et al. on how to improve data quality of plant-pollinator relationships in large data bases that would be worthwhile to become a standard for pollination research! doi.org/10.26786/192...
May 23, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Methods paper by Ollerton et al. on how to improve data quality of plant-pollinator relationships in large data bases that would be worthwhile to become a standard for pollination research! doi.org/10.26786/192...
Ooh! This sounds mind-bendingly interesting 🤔
ICYMI On Bayesian mechanics: a physics of and by beliefs: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/... #InterfaceFocus #biophysics #biocomplexity
May 22, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Ooh! This sounds mind-bendingly interesting 🤔
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Lovely bee orchids on @royalholloway.bsky.social campus @rhulbiology.bsky.social
May 22, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Lovely bee orchids on @royalholloway.bsky.social campus @rhulbiology.bsky.social
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Stomatal transpiration and rapid programmed cell death ☠️ triggered by lowered ambient humidity causes anther tissue collapse for effective pollen release !
Happy to be part of this great PNAS story with @kampova.bsky.social, Matyáš Fendrych, and @svosolsobe.bsky.social! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Happy to be part of this great PNAS story with @kampova.bsky.social, Matyáš Fendrych, and @svosolsobe.bsky.social! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
May 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Stomatal transpiration and rapid programmed cell death ☠️ triggered by lowered ambient humidity causes anther tissue collapse for effective pollen release !
Happy to be part of this great PNAS story with @kampova.bsky.social, Matyáš Fendrych, and @svosolsobe.bsky.social! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Happy to be part of this great PNAS story with @kampova.bsky.social, Matyáš Fendrych, and @svosolsobe.bsky.social! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
🚨 Our study from @bethbees.bsky.social lab is out in @royalsocietypublishing.org . We show that bumblebees taste some amino acids (valine), but not others (lysine). Bees might choose flowers not just by how sweet they taste! #bees 🐝 #taste 👅 #pollen #nectar 🌺 #protein 🥩
doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
Gustatory sensitivity to amino acids in bumblebee mouthparts | Royal Society Open Science
Bees rely on amino acids from nectar and pollen for essential physiological functions. While nectar typically contains low (less than 1 mM) amino acid concentrations, levels in pollen are higher but variable (10–200 mM). Behavioural studies suggest ...
doi.org
May 20, 2025 at 3:12 PM
🚨 Our study from @bethbees.bsky.social lab is out in @royalsocietypublishing.org . We show that bumblebees taste some amino acids (valine), but not others (lysine). Bees might choose flowers not just by how sweet they taste! #bees 🐝 #taste 👅 #pollen #nectar 🌺 #protein 🥩
doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
doi.org/10.1098/rsos...
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Reposted by Corneile Minnaar
Always a pleasure to come across a Golden-fringed Mason Bee (Osmia aurulenta) nest! This is one of 3 UK bee species to nest in empty snail shells. A female had just finished pasting leaf mastic over the entrance to the shell when I came across her yesterday at Porth Neigwl.
#SolitaryBeeWeek
#SolitaryBeeWeek
May 21, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Always a pleasure to come across a Golden-fringed Mason Bee (Osmia aurulenta) nest! This is one of 3 UK bee species to nest in empty snail shells. A female had just finished pasting leaf mastic over the entrance to the shell when I came across her yesterday at Porth Neigwl.
#SolitaryBeeWeek
#SolitaryBeeWeek