health
I discovered the elusive chestnut mining bee in New York after a gap of 119 years
For decades, there was no record of Andrena rehni existing in the US. In 2018 it was found in Maryland and five years later I found it in New York State
TL;DR
- The chestnut mining bee (*Andrena rehni*) was rediscovered in New York State after a 119-year absence.
- The bee had not been documented in Central New York and was considered possibly extinct in the state, with the last record being in 1904.
- The discovery occurred in a chestnut orchard in Syracuse, New York, a densely urbanized area.
- The rediscovery suggests that efforts to restore chestnut orchards, which were previously decimated, are proving effective.
- The article highlights the growing interest in searching for 'lost bees' and the crucial role of citizen science in conservation efforts.
- Identifying native bees requires specialized skills, often involving microscopic examination of their exoskeletons and genitalia.
- The author advocates for appreciating small creatures and recognizing that significant biodiversity can exist outside of pristine habitats.
- The importance of looking 'right under our noses' and the potential for discoveries in urban environments are stressed.