My name is Siri, and I am a nature-loving student from Gotland. I am fascinated by ecology in all its forms, particularly how ecosystems function and the complexity of species interactions within ecological communities. My special interests, however, include birds, agriculture, and insects, which is why a thesis focusing on pollinators was high on my wish list! I ended up with the hairy leafcutter bee (Megachile lagopoda), a solitary specialist bee with an interesting background in Östergötland. By comparing data collected in 2024 and 2026, I will investigate patterns of local extinction and colonization in populations in Östergötland. I am also studying where these bees establish their nests and which environmental factors may influence their nesting site selection. The results will hopefully contribute valuable knowledge for planning and implementing future habitat restoration efforts.
