Are urban areas suitable for thermophilic and xerothermic bee species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apiformes)?

One of the most noticeable features of the urban climate is the air temperature increase in the city compared to the surrounding area ("urban heat island"). This study focused on the influence of urban climate on the occurrence of thermophilic and xerothermic bee species from southern Europe. The southern species were relatively common among the bee assemblages observed within the area of PoznaA", Poland. In Central Europe, these species are observed only in isolated xerothermic localities and, as shown by the present study, in the urban areas. Cities enable some of the Southern European species of bees to move north. During this study, species that are rare in Poland were also observed. In that respect, the study also draws attention to the importance of urban areas in preserving biodiversity.