Scientists just discovered 5.6 million bees under a New York State cemetery
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- A New York State cemetery, East Lawn Cemetery in Ithaca, may host nearly 5.6 million ground-nesting bees of the species Andrena regularis, making it one of the largest and oldest known bee colonies.
- Ground-nesting bees, which make up about 70% of U.S. bee species, typically nest alone by burrowing in the ground, contrasting with the common image of hive-dwelling bees.
- Researchers from Cornell University conducted a study in 2023 estimating that 5.56 million A. regularis bees emerged from a 6,500-square-meter area during spring, a figure far surpassing previous bee aggregation estimates.
- The study highlights the ecological importance of cemeteries as habitats for solitary ground-nesting bees, which are vital but often underappreciated pollinators.
- Lead researcher Bryan Danforth emphasizes the need to recognize and appreciate solitary bees for their significant role in pollination and biodiversity.
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