Significantly more species of wild bees have been discovered worldwide than previously thought. For the first time, an assessment of their species diversity has been conducted, revealing that there are over 26,000 bee species on Earth—about a quarter more than earlier estimates.

The Role of Bees in Ecosystems

Bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which is vital both for environmental conservation and for the sustainability of agriculture. However, until recently, the exact number of these insect species remained unknown.

Previous Estimates and New Data

For decades, scientific literature only provided rough estimates of wild bee diversity, suggesting there were between 20,000 and 21,000 species. To gain a clearer picture of bee distribution across the planet, a team of Australian biologists conducted the most comprehensive statistical analysis to date at global, continental, and national levels. According to new findings, there are 3,771 to 5,230 more species worldwide than previously believed.

Research Methods

The study utilized records from entomologists about bee species they encountered in various regions, analysis of existing species names and synonyms, data on local bees from 186 countries, computer modeling, and other methods.

Results and Geographic Differences

The research showed that there are between 24,705 and 26,164 known and yet-to-be-described bee species on the planet, which is 18–25% higher than previous estimates. The ratio between described and undescribed species (the taxonomic gap) varies by country and continent. In Europe, relatively few species remain undescribed, especially in countries with stable biodiversity such as Sweden and Switzerland. In Turkey, it is estimated that 843 species still await discovery and description—more than the number of undescribed species in all of continental Europe.

The largest taxonomic gap is observed in Asia, including the Middle East, where an estimated 2,525 bee species remain undescribed. Africa, Europe, Oceania, South America, and North America follow in descending order.

Rate of New Species Discovery

Since 1960, about 117 new wild bee species have been discovered and described each year. However, the pace of this work is slowing not due to a lack of new species, but because of a shortage of specialists, limited funding, poaching, political and cultural barriers, and national restrictions on information exchange and collaboration.

Prospects for Further Research

If the current rate of new species discovery continues, it may take another 30–45 years to fully describe all bee species on the planet.