Scientists find 5.5 million wild bees beneath 1.5 acres of New York cemetery

Beneath the lawns and headstones of a small cemetery in Ithaca, New York, researchers have estimated that about 5.5 million wild bees live in a 1.5-acre area.

The bees build nests underground rather than in hives. In late spring and early summer, small holes appear across parts of the cemetery as the insects emerge and return. The site’s open lawns, well-drained soil and limited pesticide use appear to provide favourable conditions for ground-nesting species.

The estimate comes from research led by scientists from Cornell University. The team mapped areas where nests were concentrated, counted entrances in sample plots and used data on nest occupancy and seasonal reproduction. It then combined those measurements through statistical modelling and extrapolation.

The result is an estimate of the bees using the study area during a season, not an exact count. The discovery highlights how urban and suburban spaces can shelter extensive biodiversity, even in places that appear highly managed. The source article ends while describing additional features that make the cemetery suitable for the bees.