North America is home to approximately 4,000 species of native bees. These insects provide free pollination services for many crops, and have been estimated to contribute $3 billion annually to America’s agricultural economy. In California alone, more than 60 native bee species have been documented as important pollinators of tomato, watermelon, and sunflower. In Wisconsin more than 100 native bees have been documented visiting cranberry flowers. And in the northeastern U.S., more than 80 species have been observed pollinating various berry crops.
Additional information about the role that native bees play in agriculture can be found at:
http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/factsheet_value_of_native_bees_for_agriculture.pdf
-Eric Mader, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
