04/18/2026
Scientists recently uncovered one of the world's largest known aggregations of wild bees beneath East Lawn Cemetery in Ithaca, New York.
Researchers from Cornell University estimated that approximately 5.5 million ground-nesting bees, primarily the solitary species Andrena regularis, or regular mining bee, emerged from the soil in spring 2023.
This massive population occupied about 6,500 square meters, equivalent to more than 200 typical honeybee hives packed into a small 1.5-acre plot—far denser than usual for such insects.
The discovery began accidentally when a lab technician collected several bees while walking through the cemetery and realized the scale of activity.
These bees are solitary rather than social like honeybees; each female digs her own underground nest to lay eggs, yet they form dense communal nesting sites.
The cemetery's undisturbed, well-drained soil has supported this thriving colony for decades, with records of Andrena regularis dating back to at least 1935, making it likely one of the oldest documented aggregations.
This underground "bee city" highlights the ecological value of cemeteries as refuges for pollinators. These bees play a vital role in spring pollination of wildflowers and crops, contributing significantly to biodiversity and food production.
Experts emphasize the need to protect such natural nesting habitats from development, as paving them over could instantly eliminate millions of essential pollinators. The finding underscores how hidden urban green spaces sustain remarkable wildlife.
