Steven Alm and Casey Johnson from the University of Rhode Island Bee Lab spoke on April 13 about the variety of bees found in Rhode Island, their importance to local ecosystems, and ongoing conservation efforts. Their comments coincided with the opening of a new insect exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, aiming to inspire interest in entomology among visitors.
Alm and Johnson highlighted that over 280 bee species have been recorded in Rhode Island, including bumble bees such as the Common Eastern Bumble Bee, as well as sweat, mining, digger, and cellophane bees. “Some species have evolved to only collect pollen from certain plant families or even a single plant species. This means they are closely linked to these plants and will disappear if the plant disappears,” they said.
Recent discoveries include the Southeastern Blueberry Bee, which was first recorded in Rhode Island in 2024. The Macropis Cuckoo Bee—once thought extinct for nearly six decades—was also documented locally last year after being rediscovered elsewhere two decades ago. Many native bees are specialists; for example, the Beardtongue Scraper Bee relies on beardtongue pollen while others prefer pickerelweed or thistles.
The researchers pointed out that native bees face risks such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, competition from managed bees, weather changes, and lack of suitable forage plants. The Golden Northern Bumble Bee is currently considered the most vulnerable bumble bee species in Rhode Island; only 40 specimens were observed during a three-year survey out of more than 9,500 bumble bee sightings. Conservation plans focus on planting native flowers throughout blooming seasons and preserving nesting habitats.
Alm and Johnson also discussed ways residents can help pollinators by growing plants like mountain mints that attract diverse insects and provide nesting sites for twig-nesting bees when maintained properly. They encouraged interested individuals to visit the URI Bee Lab website for more information about supporting local pollinators.
The pair remain available for interviews at URI’s East Farm or Youngken Medicinal Garden and invite further engagement through social media or email ahead of next year’s Rhode Island Plant Insect Community Network Conference.
