• interspecific trophic competition
• Apis mellifera
• wild bees
• flower resources

The integration between biodiversity protection and economic activities plays a crucial role for conservation strategies. A clear-cut example is represented by the interaction between wild bees (social and solitary species of Hymenoptera, Apoidea) and managed honey bees. On one side Apoidea are facing a dramatic decline which calls for adequate protection measures. On the other side, the economic benefits provided by Apis mellifera (crop pollination and hive products) is fuelling the introduction in many areas, that result often impactful for wild bees.
The crucial type of competition in Apoidea is the exploitative one for trophic resources (pollen, nectar). Pollen might be particularly essential since is collected by bees and given to the larvae for their development. Low biodiversity of pollen may result in a reduction of population reproductive fitness.
This work reviewed all the studies reporting interspecific trophic competition between Apis mellifera and wild Apoidea, collecting information on the resource examined and putting it in relation to a series of other variables which might explain the variability in the study outcomes.
This work will contribute to provide un updated overview of the current evidence on this topic, thus contributing to address a crucial longstanding question which represent the basis for Apoidea conservation. Moreover, the systematic evidence collection has the potential to uncover new research trends which may open avenues for future research.