Cornell University researchers have discovered what they believe to be one of the largest bee colonies ever recorded, with an estimated population of 5.5 million bees living beneath a New York cemetery.

The underground colony was found during a walk through the cemetery, though specific details about the location and timing of the discovery were not immediately available. The researchers described the finding as significant due to the colony's exceptional size.

According to the Cornell team, the bees have been thriving in their subterranean habitat for more than a century. The longevity and scale of the colony make it a rare discovery in the field of entomology.

The research adds to scientific understanding of bee behavior and habitat adaptation. Bee colonies typically establish themselves in above-ground locations such as trees or structures, making this underground settlement unusual.

Further study of the colony may provide insights into bee survival strategies and population dynamics. The discovery comes at a time when bee populations worldwide face various environmental pressures.