It might be merely an internet urban legend. My research turns up nothing....
Regardless, this issue of disappearing honey bees is serious.
Theo, thank you for looking for an answer to my question. I’ve not been able to find an answer either, but haven’t had an opportunity to do some serious research. I doubt Einstein would make such a remark without having some basis for saying it. You are right, it could well be an internet urban legend. I hope so. This is a serious issue for all of us. I have a few bee hives (hence my handle “miele” which is Italian for honey)and have not encountered the problem...yet. I’ve heard of beekeepers in Alabama (where I live) who have lost large numbers of hives yet the NY Times article on this showed no losses in Alabama.