> However, to my knowledge there are no specific examples of farming
areas in the USA where honeybees, hoverflies, wasps, bumblebees,
moths and butterflies are now rare or have declined to the point of
deminishing crop yields.

Reply:

This can scarcely be the case, as why else have growers been renting colonies of honey bees at ever higher prices? Do you suggest that almonds, apples, cherries, kiwis or any of them could be adequately pollinated by natives? 

And, now with the honey bee in decline it is especially apparent that native pollinators are not there in sufficient numbers to pollinate crops and honey bees are starting to price themselves out of a job. 

The decline of pollinators is serious, it is real, and a lot of bright minds are convening at Penn State this month to address the situation. Maybe you should attend.

Pete

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