URI scientists shed light on declining bee populations

KINGSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Scientists at the University of Rhode Island said they are trying to bring attention to the decline of native bee species in the Ocean State and around the world.

Entomology Research Associate Casey Johnson said that the bees are being lost due to habitat fragmentation and climate change.

Rhode Island traditionally has around 250 species in the state, however a recent study identifying bumblebees could only find seven of the expected 12 species.

Johnson said that bees and plants work hand-in-hand, and the loss of the bees will hurt native plant species.

She added that planting native plants and cutting down on pesticides can help the bees.

“One thing to note is that if you are planting native plants and you are used to planting things like vegetable growing typically you don’t want things eating your plants, but when you are planting native plants, you are supporting butterflies and moths which are herbivores when they are caterpillars,” Johnson said. “If you have things eating your plants, then that is great. It means your plants are doing what they are supposed to be doing.”

A list of native plant species can be found here.