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Queen Bee
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2008
- Messages
- 4,131
- Reaction score
- 128
- Location
- Newick, East Sussex
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 6
Just read this report on a bee thought to be extinct...encouraging in this world of dispiriting news. And the people who care
A species of bee believed to be extinct in Britain has been found after 65 years, a study has revealed.
The solitary bee Halictus eurygnathus was last seen in Britain in 1946, but has now been found at seven sites in East Sussex, according to research by entomologist Steven Falk.
He said: "I discovered that the main requirement of the bee is an abundance of greater knapweed, which is one of the special flowers of chalk grassland. This knowledge should be helpful for the conservation of this species."
His study recorded 227 bee and wasp species during dozens of visits to 15 chalk grassland and chalky heath sites on the East Sussex South Downs.
A species of bee believed to be extinct in Britain has been found after 65 years, a study has revealed.
The solitary bee Halictus eurygnathus was last seen in Britain in 1946, but has now been found at seven sites in East Sussex, according to research by entomologist Steven Falk.
He said: "I discovered that the main requirement of the bee is an abundance of greater knapweed, which is one of the special flowers of chalk grassland. This knowledge should be helpful for the conservation of this species."
His study recorded 227 bee and wasp species during dozens of visits to 15 chalk grassland and chalky heath sites on the East Sussex South Downs.