Bees are tiny insects that fly from blossom to blossom in summer gardens. The striped fuzzy bodies of most bee species, frequently with black and yellow or orange markings, are easily recognizable. The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most common type of bee, and it produces honey in 20,000 different species.
The most common bee species you’ll find in your garden is discussed in this article. Descriptions of various flying insect types, in addition to images of common bees, can aid in the identification of bee species.
How to Identify Bees
Observe the form, size, color, and habitats of bees to determine which species they belong to. Bee identification, on the other hand, is difficult. Many species have similar characteristics. Other bee species are difficult to differentiate, but it is simple to distinguish between a bumble bee and a honeybee. Bumble bees, for example, are bigger than honey bees and have fuzzy bodies with black and yellow stripes. Carpenter bees are mostly black and have shorter hairs, and they resemble bumblebees in most ways.
Bee species have different colors. Honey bees come in a variety of hues, including brown and tan. Carpenter bees, on the other hand, are mostly black. Some bumble bee species have black, white, and yellow stripes, as well as being black. There are also metallic green beetle species that are fascinating to see.
Bees vs. Wasps – How to Tell the Difference
Bees and wasps are members of the insect order Hymenoptera, and both have close-up images. The smoothness of the body is one method to differentiate between bees and wasps. Bees have a hairy look and are fatter than wasps, who have sleek, smooth bodies. Bees can only sting once before dying, whereas wasps can sting multiple times.
Facts About Bees
Bees, especially honey bees, are social insects that live in huge colonies. Between 20,000 and 80,000 worker bees may be found in a single hive. With a queen, drones, and workers responsible for the beehive, a bee colony is similarly well-organized. Many bee species swarm in large groups, but some are solitary creatures.
In most ecosystems, bees play a critical function. Every year, bees help pollinate flowers, allowing us to enjoy fruit and vegetable crops. Bees also make honey, which is a delicious sweet treat that humans, animals, and birds consume. Despite the fact that certain bees are stinging insects, they are usually not aggressive.
Bees are typically mellow creatures that do not assault people. Africanized bees, on the other hand, are territorial and aggressive. Africanized honey bees, on the other hand, can attack without being provoked and appear to be normal honey bees, Apis mellifera.
Pollen and nectar from blooming plants are used by bees to feed on. Carpenter bees, bumblebees, and honey bees pollinate the flowers as they go from one plant to the next. Honey bees then return to the hive, where they make honey, a source of food for honey bees that never leaves the hive.
Types of Bees with Names and Pictures (Including Bee Identification Guide)
Have a look at the bee species list (including a bee identification key with photos) to see what sort of bees you might encounter in your garden.
Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
On their slender bodies, Western honey bees have black and tan-yellow stripes. Since they have a honey-colored appearance and a relatively smooth abdomen, Western honey bees are simple to identify. Three pairs of fuzzy black legs, two antennae, and two wings make up a honey bee. Honey bees have a three-part body, consisting of a head, thorax, and abdomen. Pollen pouches on the hind legs of the females help them bring pollen back to the hive.
European honey bees are the name given to Western honey bees, which are the main bee species used in honey production. Because they are not aggressive and produce a lot of honey, western honey bees are favorite among beekeepers. Just eight honey bee species exist in the world, out of over 20,000 bee species.
The eastern honey bee (Apis cerana), the giant honey bee (Apis dorsata), and Koschevnikov’s honey bee (Apis koschevnikovi) are among the species of honey-producing insects in the genus Apis.
Western honey bee identification
The thorax of Western honey bees is hairy, and the abdomen is relatively smooth. There are black and dark orange stripes on it. On their black hind legs, you’ll spot pollen baskets (corbicula). Honey bees may reach a length of 1/2″ (1.2 cm).
Bumble Bee (Bombus)
Bumble bees have a round fuzzy shape with black and yellow stripes and a white tail that makes them easy to spot. Bumble bee tails may be red or yellow depending on the species. Bumble bees come in 250 different species, with most having comparable identifying characteristics.
Bumble bees are known for their clumsiness, as the name suggests. Because they feed on flower pollen and nectar, this descriptive name accurately depicts their bumble behavior. Bumble bees nest and have smaller colonies than honey bees. In the nest, they only keep a little amount of food. Bumble bees, in addition, have a bulkier physique and a fuzzier look than honey bees. Bumble bees have pollen sacs on their hind legs, similar to honey bees.
Bumble bee identification
Large bees with hairy bodies and legs, bumble bees are a kind of large bee. Look for white, yellow, or red bands with black or dark patterns and tails. Bumble bees may grow to be 0.6 inches (1.7 cm) in length.
Leafcutter Bees (Megachile)
To transport pollen, leafcutter bees have pale yellow hairs on their bellies. Leafcutter bees are named after the chewing of leaves that they return to the nest. These insects belong to the Megachile genus of bees, which includes approximately 1,500 species. They are also known as leafcutting bees.
These medium-sized bees, known as leaf-cutting bees, don’t make honey. These insects make nests, holes, burrows, and hollow twigs on their own. While leafcutter bees may sting, their sting isn’t as powerful as a honey bee’s. Leafcutter bees have huge mandibles or jaws, which can be seen up close in close-up photographs.
Leafcutter bee identification
The smooth striped upper abdomen of leafcutter bees makes them easy to spot. Leafcutter bee stripes may be black and white or black and pale yellow, depending on the species. The length of leafcutter bees can reach up to 1 cm.
Long-Horn Bees (Eucerini)
Long-horn bees have hairy bodies and legs with black and white stripes on their antennae. The long antennae of long-horn bees are one of their most distinguishing features. The tribe Eucerini includes approximately 500 species in 32 genera and is made up of long-horned bees.
There aren’t many common identifying characteristics between the long-horned bee species. Pollen on sunflowers is a favorite food of long-horn bees. These bees exist as solitary creatures that breed in little tunnels and don’t make honey.
Long-Horn Bee identification
The fuzzy bodies and two long antennae of long-horn bees are generally dark with white stripes. Their hairy, dark-tanned bodies feature six legs.
Green Metallic Sweat Bee (Augochlora pura)
Green metallic sweat bees have a dazzling glossy green iridescent body with hues of green, blue, and gold. Sweat bees are solitary insects with approximately 4,000 species and 81 genera. Small, little metallic sweat bees with a 0.3″ (0.8 cm) body are found in green metallic sweat bees.
Female green metallic sweat bees dwell in rotting wood nests. Males perish in the autumn after struggling through the winter. The green metallic sweat bees rarely sting, despite the fact that they do. However, since they are attracted to salt, they often land on humans to lick sweat from the skin.
Green metallic sweat bee identification
The dazzling gleaming metallic green head and bodies of green metallic sweat bees are immediately noticeable.
Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa)
Carpenter bees have a fuzzy thorax and a smooth abdomen, and are mostly black. Carpenter bees have less hair than bumble bees, which is the difference between the two. Carpenter bees also have a smooth belly, not a fuzzy one. The majority of carpenter bee species are entirely black, although a few have white or yellow markings.
Carpenter bees are named after their characteristic of digging in wood for nesting. The loud sound their wings make when they fly is another feature of these plump bees. Carpenter bees are stingers, just like other bees, and their sting is more painful than that of other bee species.
Carpenter bee identification
With fuzzy black thorax, smooth abdomens, and long wings, large carpenter bees are 0.7″ (2 cm) long.
Small Carpenter Bee (Ceratina)
Little, almost hairless carpenter bees with metallic blue and black hues have a lustrous dark and smooth body. Metallic colors are stunning on some of these tiny bees. To identify these bees, look for barrel-shaped bodies and squarish heads. Yellow patterns on most small carpenter bees make them simple to identify.
Species in the Ceratina genus tunnel into soft or rotting wood, much like bigger carpenter bees. Some carpenter bee species live in social groups, while others are solitary. In the family Halictidae, small carpenter bees may be mistaken with sweat bees. Both genera feature metallic colors and are tiny. Little carpenter bees, on the other hand, have mouthparts that are shorter than sweat bees.
Small carpenter bee identification
The shiny metallic bodies, stumpy heads, thin legs, and extended slender body of small carpenter bees distinguish them from other kinds of bees. Certain species, such as those that are black or blue, are referred to as “shining bees.”
Mason Bee (Osmia)
Metallic blue-green bodies (left picture) are seen on several mason bees. Mason bees with black or maroon colors (right picture) include the red mason bee (Osmia bicornis). Rust-red or black bees may be found in several species of the Osmia genus. With large wings and six hairy black legs, adult mason bees are about 0.5 inches (1.4 cm) long.
Mason bees build their nests out of masonry materials, hence the name “mason bee.” Mason bees of small size also build nests in cracks, hollow stems, and wood holes. The red mason bee (Osmia bicornis), blueberry bee (Osmia ribifloris), and native orchard mason bee (Osmia lignaria) are all common species of mason bees.
Mason bee identification
Mason bees have metallic bodies that are green, blue, red, or black in color and are distinguished by their appearance. When the pollen scopa (the enlarged hind area) is full of pollen, you can also identify mason bees.
Sweat Bee (Halictidae)
Sweat bees of different species have varying metallic bodies, which range in color from green to blue. Metallic green, blue, or black in color with greenish-yellow patterns, some Halictid species are metallic. Black and white stripes run down the smooth abdomens of other sweat bees.
This group of species is attracted to salty sweat, like sweat bees in other bee families. Sweat bees are crucial for pollination, but they don’t make honey and are generally solitary. Sweat bees can be found across the eastern United States.
Sweat bee identification
The identifying features of sweat bee species vary greatly. The majority have black, metallic bodies with yellow markings on their cheeks and foreheads. Sweat bees have a highly bent vein on their wings that distinguishes them.
Carder Bee (Anthidium)
Carder bees are huge black and yellow bees that look a lot like honey bees. They have black and yellow stripes on their backs. Tufts of hairs on the legs and sides of these big bees can be seen looking closely. They have a smooth black back and yellow markings on their abdomen that don’t wrap all the way around their bodies. Since their yellow and black markings are comparable, carder bees may be mistaken for yellow-jackets.
In contrast to yellow hornets, carder bees are more robust. Carder bees, like leafcutter bees, chop leaves for use in nests and belong to the Megachilidae family. To construct their nests, these huge bees employ resin, mud, and plant hairs. Three horns can be seen at the abdominal apex of carder bee photos.
Carder bee identification
Carder bees have tufts of little spines on their legs and are huge yellow and black bees. The bright yellow or red patterns on the underside and sides of these bees can help you identify them.
Squash Bee (Peponapis and Xenoglossa)
The thorax of yellow and black squash bees is fuzzy, while the abdomen is smooth. Squash bees are medium-sized black and yellow bees with a hairy thorax and a clean abdominal area. Peponapis (left) and Xenoglossa (right) Squash bees have the look of being squashed due to their tiny, fat bodies. Two varieties of bees in the Eucerini tribe are known as squash bees. Because they are prolific pollinators of plants in the squash family, squash bees get their name.
Squash bees are big and stockier than honey bees, having the same size as bumble bees. Some squash bee species are more active at night, which is an interesting trait. Bees may fly before daybreak, while others fly after dark.
Squash bee identification
Like bumble bees, squash bees have a robust body. Some have a fuzzy appearance and a smooth abdomen, while others have black bodies with yellow bands.
Striped Green Sweat Bees (Agapostemon)
A close-up picture of Agapostemon texanus shows green sweat bees with a metallic green head and thorax. Long, slender bodies with no hairs on them distinguish striped green bees. With black antennae, somewhat colored long legs, and lustrous bodies, they have a remarkable look.
In temperate North and South America, striped green sweat bees may be found. Honey bees and bumble bees have flying habits that resemble those of these sweat bee species.
Striped green sweat bee identification
The metallic green gleaming head of striped green sweat bees is one of their distinguishing characteristics. Their metallic shimmering abdomens are striped reddish or yellow with black bands.
Miner Bee (Anthophora abrupta)
Miner bees have a fuzzy black and creamy-yellow thorax with black hairy abdomen, as seen in the photograph. These medium-sized, stout-furred bees are coated in fine hairs, including their lengthy legs. They are sometimes known as chimney bees. The fuzzy abdomen of mining bees is usually black, and the hairy thorax is light cream or yellow.
A lone existence is the lot of miner bees. Because of their digging behavior, which involves digging tunnels in the dirt, they are known as burrowing rats. Their nests are also built in chimney-like tunnels. Miner bees are calm insects that seldom sting people, despite their stings. Rhododendrons, irises, roses, persimmons, and parsnips rely on miner bees for pollination.
Miner bee identification
The head, thorax, abdomen, and legs of miner bees are all covered with fur. The thorax is lighter in color than the abdomen, and stripes are usually absent.
Unequal Cellophane Bee (Colletes inaequalis)
A fuzzy tan-colored head, pair of transparent wings, heart-shaped face, large complex eyes, and two segmented antennae characterize unequal cellophane bees. The uneven cellophane bee, also known as the ground bee, is a black and tan-colored insect with black markings on its abdomen. With fuzzy tan-colored hair, two pair of transparent wings, a heart-shaped face, large compound eyes, and two segmented antennae, these ground nesting bees are fuzzy.
Solitary bees that build nests in the ground are known as unequal cellophane bees. Where they raise their young, they tunnel into arid soil and create 6″ (15 cm) underground nests. Between March and July, unequal cellophane bees measure 0.5 inch (13 mm) long and are active.
Unequal cellophane bee identification
The fuzzy tan-colored head, pair of transparent wings, heart-shaped face, huge compound eyes, and two segmented antennal can all be used to identify unequal cellophane.
Hairy-Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes)
The hairy-footed flower bee is a reddish-orange haird bee that lives in gardens and coastal areas. Female bees and male species have different colors. Females, for example, feature tiny tufts of reddish orange hairs and are dark brown to black in color. The hairy-footed flower bee has broader legs and abdomen hairs than the female.
The hairy-footed flower bee is 0.5 to 0.6 inches long (13 to 15 mm). The females build nests in clay or mud walls, and the bees are generally solitary. Between March and June, the black bees are active, with reddish-tan hairs.
Hairy-footed flower bee identification
The hairy-footed flower bee is a sleek thorax with two powerful antennae and a fuzzy abdomen with black to dark brown solitary bees with tan stripes across it.
Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria)
The ashy mining bee has a black body with gray-whitish hairs around its thorax, and it is identifiable by this. The brilliant black body of the black and white bee may seem blue in bright light. The heads of the hairy bees are covered in pale-gray hairs and have two slender segmented antennae.
This nesting bee reaches up to 0.6″ (15 mm) in length, and is also known as the gray mining bee. In sandy soil, riverbanks, and gardens, the docile black and gray bee builds nests. Little mounds of dirt around the entrance distinguishes the ground nests.
Ashy mining bee identification
Due to its two bands of gray hairs on the thorax, the ashy mining bee is an instantly recognizable black bee. With a tuft of white hairs on its face, the black male ashy mining bee is totally covered in gray hairs.
Tawny Mining Bee (Andrenidae fulva)
The tawny mining bee is a common sand bee species found in Europe that is covered with reddish-brown or orangey-brown hairs. The abdomen and thorax of the nesting bee are covered in fox-red hair, while the head is fuzzy black. These little reddish-orange bees are 0.3 to 0.4 inch (8 to 10 mm) long.
From March through May, solitary tawny mining bees are active. On daffodil, Hawthorn, Maple, Oak, Sycamore, and Buttercup flowers, you’ll find these reddish hairy bees feeding on pollen and nectar.
Tawny mining bee identification
A non-aggressive bee with a reddish-brown or golden-brown fine hair coating, a pair of transparent wings, and six stumpy legs, the tawny mining bee is a non-aggressive species.
Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae)
The ivy bee is a solitary insect that nests in sandy soils and has a dark brown body with numerous golden-brown stripes. The thorax of this striped mining bee is covered in thick orangey-brown hairs, and the abdomen and legs are a little fuzzy. Furthermore, the ivy bee has two segmented antennae and enormous complex eyes. Ivy bees, which are bigger than other bee species in the Colletidae family, are around 0.51″ (13 mm) long.
The solitary medium-sized brown hairy bee does not dwell in colonies and lives in solitude. From August, when they feast mostly on ivy blossoms, the bees are active. Females spend their time mining sandy soils for nests.
Ivy bee identification
The striped dark brown abdomen of the ivy bee is distinguished by bands of golden-brown hairs. Moreover, the brown bee’s thorax and head are covered in orange-brown hairs, which makes it stand out.
Yellow-Faced Bees (Genus Hylaeus)
Yellow-faced bees have a striking bright yellow patch on their face, and they are known as Hylaeus signatus. Because of their shape, small black bees are frequently mistaken with black wasps. The thorax of the small bees is likewise yellow, with yellow and black legs on either side. The tiny yellow and black bees are 0.19 to 0.27 inches long (5 to 7 mm) and have a distinctive yellow mask face.
The tubular antennae and absence of scopa on the little wasp-like bee’s hind legs are additional identifying characteristics. Pre-made holes in dead wood or stems are common nesting sites for yellow-faced bees. Nectar is collected by the bees, who then consume milkweed and ordinary boneset shrubs.
Yellow-faced bee identification
Because of its thin black body, yellow-and-black banded legs, and distinctive creamy-yellow mark on its face, a yellow-faced bee is simple to identify.
Furrow Bees (Genus Halictus)
Furrow bees, sometimes known as black or dark brown bees, are a large bee species. Banded abdomens with yellow, brown, and black stripes are also seen in certain bee species. Bees prefer to dwell in tiny colonies in the ground, where they dig nests. Common furrow bees can be found in the following examples:
Ligated Furrow Bee (Halictus ligatus)
The ligated furrow bee is a dark brown insect with golden yellow stripes on its abdomen. It is identified as Halictus ligatus. The head, thorax, tail, and hairy yellow or orange legs of the yellow and brown bee are likewise adorned with tufts of yellow hairs. The metallic patterns seen on some furrow bees are missing from this dark black or brown-black bee. Little black bee 0.27 to 0.43 inches (7 to 11 mm) long, with dark stripes.
Confusing Furrow Bee (Halictus confusus)
A solitary black bee with bands of pale-yellow hairs around its abdomen, the confusing furrow bee (Halictus confusus) is a solitary species. Fuzzy yellowish and black legs are another identifying feature of this furrow bee. The species’ confusing bees are completely black with yellow markings on their legs and face. The bee is 0.28 inches (7 mm) long and black.
Orange-Legged Furrow Bee (Halictus rubicundus)
With its cylindrical body, bands of pale-yellow hairs, and black and yellow legs, the orange-legged furrow bee (Halictus rubicundus) is a distinctive striped black bee. A thin skull and two enormous, segmented antennae characterize the orange-legged bee. Short yellow-brown tufts of hair can be found on the head and thorax. The little furrow bee is just over 0.39″ (10 mm) long.
Parallel-Striped Sweat Bee (Halictus parallelus)
The tiny parallel-striped sweat bee is a brown furrow bee with bands of yellow running down its chocolatey brown abdomen. The hairy orange legs, golden brown head, and thorax with large, brown compound eyes are among the distinguishing features of this sweat bee. 0.47″ to 0.51″ (12–13 mm) is the average length of a brown and yellow bee.
Box-Headed Blood Bee (Sphecodes monilicornis)
The box-headed blood bee’s black body and vibrant red abdomen make it instantly recognizable. The black wings, short, stumpy antennae, and fuzzy legs of this medium to large slender black and red bee are covered in whitish hairs. The bee also has a grayish appearance due to the white hairs on its black head and thorax.
Due to the crimson to bright red band that surrounds their bodies, honey bees are easily recognized. The box-shaped head, thin body, and pale hairs of this species, Sphecodes monilicornis, make it easy to distinguish from other blood bees. Other bees may be attacked by the box-headed blood bee. Females usually eat the existing grub or egg that is housed there, leaving the nest intact.
Box-headed blood bee identification
With its vivid red belly and grayish black body with a slender box-shaped head, the box-headed blood bee is easy to spot in the landscape.
Pantaloon Bees (Dasypoda hirtipes)
The pantaloon bee is a brown and golden-yellow hairy mining bee with distinct hairy hind legs that is distinguished by its golden hairy back legs. The pollen in the bee’s back legs causes them to swell up, giving them the appearance of pantaloons. A fuzzy black abdomen with grayish-white stripes surrounds this medium to large bee. In addition, the bee has a fuzzy golden-brown head that is immediately identifiable.
Pantaloon bees are around 13 mm (0.51 inch) long. These fuzzy bees are known as hairy-legged mining bees because of their unusual look. The legs and head of the yellowish-brown bee are covered in thick golden-brown setae (fine hairs), as seen in photographs. Pollen and nectar on flowers in the Asteraceae family are often consumed by hairy pantaloon bees.
Pantaloon bee identification
One of the simplest bees to identify is the pantaloon bee. It’s a huge bee with black abdominal bands, a fuzzy golden-brown head, and hairy hind legs.
Southeastern Blueberry Bee (Habropoda laboriosa)
The blueberry bee is a solitary bee that resembles a little bumblebee, with pale yellow hairs covering its body. The body of the black and pale-yellow nesting bee is covered in creamy-yellow hairs and is muscular. Furthermore, between the two brown compound eyes, there is a large tuft of yellowish hairs.
The blueberry bee is medium to large in size, despite being smaller than a bumblebee. Males are slightly smaller, at 0.62 inches (16 mm). The female has a completely black head, whereas the male has a yellowish patch on it, which distinguishes them from one another. The habitat of this hairy black bee, which pollinates blueberry bushes, gives it its name. It’s called the blueberry bee because of this.
Blueberry bee identification
A stumpy black bee covered in creamy white or pale-yellow hairs, the southeastern blueberry is a stumpy black bee.
Africanized Honey Bee
The Africanized honey bee, also known as the killer bee, is a non-native aggressive insect that was first discovered in South Africa. The abdomen of this honey bee is striped with dark brown or black stripes, which are orange-yellow in color. The African “killer bee,” which is smaller than the European honey bee, measures 0.74″ (19 mm).
Apis mellifera (western honey bee), Apis mellifera scutellata (East African lowland honey bee), Apis mellifera ligustica (Italian honey bee), and Apis mellifera iberiensis (Iberian honey bee) are the parents of the Africanized honey bee. The Africanized honey bee’s actions are the result of defending its territory, despite being classified as an aggressive bee. In addition, the sting of a European honey bee is just as harmful as that of a honeybee.
Africanized honey bee identification
A golden-yellow bee with dark brown stripes around its abdomen is known as the Africanized honey bee. They are smaller than honey bees, despite their appearance.
Nomad Bees (Genus Nomada)
Nomada affabilis (left) and Nomada luteoloides (right) are two species of nomad bees that look more like wasps than bees. The yellow and black abdomen, orange antennae, and yellowish legs distinguish this tiny striped bee, which is 0.31″ to 0.39″ (8 – 10 mm) long. The hairless bodies of nomad bees are an simple way to distinguish them from other bees. Two types of nomad bees are shown below:
Nomada affabilis: A tear-shaped abdomen with crossing brown and yellow stripes characterize the yellow bee. It has orange-colored segmented antennae and a black fuzzy thorax.
Nomada luteoloides: The yellow oval abdomen of this nomad bee is flattened, and brown-black stripes run down the sides. Apart from yellow dots around its thorax, the remainder of the bee is mostly black. Legs and antennae are rusty brown, while the thorax is dark brownish-red.
Long-Horned Bees (Genus Eucera)
The thick layer of fur and lengthy curved antennae distinguish long-horned bees, which are native bees in North America. The body of the hairy bee is covered with whitish setae, resulting in a grayish appearance. The fuzzy bee species is usually black. The hairy bee is 0.43 to 0.80 inches (11 to 18 mm) long on average. The genus Eucera contains the following examples of black bees:
Eucera actuosa: With a stocky oval body, hairy thorax, two projecting complex eyes, and long smooth antennae, this blackish-gray bee is a powerful species.
Eucera fulvitarsis: A black bee with golden hairy legs and a gray head and thorax with fine setae. The bee’s orangey legs dangle down while in the air.
Eucera frater: A stumpy oval body, black abdomen, brown hairy thorax, and fuzzy gray legs characterize this brown and black bee. The immense eyes on the side of its head and long, curved insect-like antennae are two unusual characteristics of this fuzzy bee.
Eucera frater
Stingless Honey Bees (Meliponines)
The stingless honey bee, also known as the Meliponines, is a tropical insect that can’t use its stinger for protection. Stingless bees come in a variety of species, each with its own traits. Stingless bees may deliver a terrible bite that causes deep welts when they sense threatened, despite the fact that they don’t sting.
Meliponula ferruginea is a stingless bee with an orange body, a black thorax with few hairs, and an orange abdomen with black stripes. It has a lustrous black head. Other stingless bees, on the other hand, seem quite different. One example is a black animal with a rounded rather than flattened skull and golden-brown hairs covering its short body.
Cuckoo Bees (Nomadinae)
Cuckoo bees have slim bodies, stumpy segmented antennae, and orange colors. They are a type of wasp-like bee that lives in close proximity to humans. Orangey-red legs and antennae distinguish certain cuckoo bees. Others feature a black thorax and a bulbous orange belly, while others have black fuzzy legs.
Cuckoo bees, on the other hand, look a lot like bumblebees and act in a similar way. The females of cuckoo bees lay their eggs in the nests of other bees in a manner that is termed “cuckoo.” Several bee species will rear and feed the young, which is known as kleptoparasitism.
Orchid Bees (Euglossini)
Orchid bees are a fascinating group of bees with metallic green bodies that resemble armored tanks. These huge, solitary bees come in about 200 different species. Orchid bees may be distinguished from other bee species with a little effort. They have a glossy metallic coat and are usually hairless.
Some orchid bees may be gleaming blue, crimson, gold, or purple, despite the fact that shiny green is the most common. A mix of colors makes up some of the most stunning orchid bee species, with orange or yellow stripes. Orchid bees pollinate orchid flowers and are thus known as orchid bees.
Digger Bees (Anthophorini)
Due to their black bodies being covered in white hairs, big digger bees have a grayish appearance. These large, hairy bees may grow up to 1.18 inches (30 mm) long. They got their moniker from their tendency to dig tunnels into the earth to raise young. The 750 species of digger bees have a few similar traits.
Their wings, for example, are generally shorter than those of other bees. As a result, their noise has a higher-pitched whine to it. Metallic bands run the length of several species’ abdomens.
Square-Spotted Mourning Bee (Melecta luctuosa)
The square-spotted mourning bee is a fuzzy black bee with white hair patches along its abdomen. The little bee resembles a hairy black bug with white dots from afar. The bee length is 0.47 to 0.55 inches (12 to 14 mm) long, with white-spotted black markings.
The transparent dark brown pair of wings, thick black antennae, and kidney-shaped black compound eyes are some of the other identifying characteristics of the black and white square-spotted mourning bee.
Square-spotted mourning bee identification
A velvety black bee with white hair tufts on its abdomen, thorax, and head, the square-spotted mourning bee is a hairy black bee.
Bellflower Resin Bee (Megachile campanulae)
A hairy black bee with white stripes around its abdomen, the bellflower resin bee (Megachile campanulae) Because of its whitish-gray hairs that cover the black body, the bee has an overall grayish appearance. The side of its head has oval compound eyes and two bent antennae, along with the bellflower resin bee.
The black and white bellflower resin bee is a 0.4″ to 0.47″ (10 to 12 mm) long medium-sized bee. The eastern part of North America is home to resin bees. Furthermore, from Ontario to Florida and as far west as Texas and Minnesota, the hairy bees may be found.
Bellflower resin bee identification
A black bee with white hair bands over its abdomen and a white head covered in white hair, the bellflower resin bee is a black bee.