Connectivity and edge effects increase bee colonization in an experimentally fragmented landscape

Though landscape corridors increase dispersal of many animals and plants, it remains unknown whether these positive effects extend to the process colonization establishment new populations in fragments. Working experimentally fragmented landscapes, we tested how two aspects habitat fragments altered by – connectivity edge-to-area ratio determine patterns a solitary, cavity-nesting bee Megachile rotundata. We found that though initially affected rates nest-site occupation, ultimately determined final patch occupation nest building, likely due selection our focal species. Bee was also higher patches with abundances their preferred food resources, flowers from Fabaceae family. Our results show importance considering both edge on population dynamics habitat-based conservation.