Eight New Bee Species Discovered in Pacific Canopy

Scientists solve a decades-old mystery, tracing the origins of a unique bee species to French Polynesia via island-hopping ancestors.

A recent study reveals eight new species of Hylaeus bees, solving the mystery of how a unique bee species reached French Polynesia.
The discovery was made possible by innovative canopy sampling techniques, highlighting the importance of forest canopies in bee diversity.
The new species, found in Fiji, French Polynesia, and Micronesia, prefer red flowers and are mostly black with distinctive yellow or white markings.
Researchers emphasize the critical role of international collaboration and local support in uncovering these species.
The study underscores the urgency of conserving bee species amid threats from habitat loss and climate change.