Millions of Ground-Nesting Bees Found Beneath Ithaca Cemetery
Updated
Updated · Earth.com · Apr 15
Millions of Ground-Nesting Bees Found Beneath Ithaca Cemetery
9 articles · Updated · Earth.com · Apr 15
Cornell researchers have discovered an estimated 5.5 million ground-nesting Andrena regularis bees in Ithaca's East Lawn Cemetery.
This aggregation, spanning just 1.5 acres, is among the largest ever documented and plays a key role in local pollination, especially for apples.
The findings underscore the ecological value of undisturbed urban green spaces and highlight the need to protect habitats for solitary bee species.
Why are millions of ground bees in a cemetery considered safer than a single honeybee hive?
Could this massive bee city be a fragile 'last stand' for a species with nowhere else to go?
What is the annual economic value of this single bee aggregation to local New York agriculture?
While New York finds a bee haven, why are French cities becoming hostile to ground-nesting bees?
How do millions of solitary 'single mom' bees build one of the world's largest and oldest bee cities?
If cemeteries are ideal bee habitats, should we start managing city parks to mimic them?
Discovery of a 5.5 Million Strong Solitary Bee Metropolis in Ithaca’s Urban Cemetery
Overview
In March 2023, researchers discovered a record-breaking aggregation of over 5.5 million solitary ground-nesting Andrena regularis bees in Ithaca's East Lawn Cemetery, highlighting the vital role of urban green spaces as refuges for pollinators. These bees, which overwinter as adults and emerge in sync with apple blossoms, are highly efficient pollinators that significantly boost apple seed production. The cemetery's undisturbed, sandy soils, minimal pesticide use, and proximity to floral resources create ideal conditions for their survival. However, threats like habitat loss, pollution, and brood parasitism increase the urgency to protect these habitats. The launch of Project GNBee engages the public globally to monitor and conserve these essential pollinators, making East Lawn a model for urban pollinator conservation.