They are crucial pollinators for many crops and wild plants. Megachilidae (Leafcutter and Mason Bees): These bees are known for their distinctive behavior of using plant leaves or mud to build nests. They can be both solitary or social and are important pollinators for many crops and wildflowers. Halictidae (Sweat Bees): Bees in the Halictidae family are known for their attraction to human sweat, as they often land on the skin to drink perspiration. They are often important pollinators for various native plants. They are known for their complex social structures and crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops and wildflowers.Ĭolletidae (Plasterer Bees): These bees are solitary and named for their habit of lining their brood cells with a waterproof secretion. They are important pollinators for many wildflowers and crops.Īpidae (Honey Bees, Bumblebees, and Others): The Apidae family includes some of the most well-known bees, such as honey bees and bumblebees. These families are as follows:Īndrenidae (Mining Bees): Bees in the Andrenidae family are often solitary and known for nesting in the ground. There are seven recognized bee families, each containing various species that contribute to pollination and the ecosystem in different ways. Honey bees then take the nectar and pollen back to the colony where they produce honey-a food source for bees that never leaves the hive. As bumblebees, carpenter bees, and honey bees move from plant to plant, they pollinate the flowers. The problem is that Africanized honey bees look like regular honey bees- Apis mellifera-and can attack without being provoked.īees feed on pollen and nectar from flowering plants. However, Africanized bees are aggressive and territorial insects. Bees are usually docile creatures and don’t attack humans. Also, bees produce honey, a delicious sweet food enjoyed by humans, animals, and birds.Īlthough many bees are species of stinging insects, they are generally not aggressive. Bees are crucial for pollinating flowers so that we have crops of fruit and vegetables every year. A bee colony is also highly organized, with a queen, drones, and workers caring for the beehive.Įven though many species of bees swarm in large groups, other species are solitary creatures.īees play a vital role in most ecosystems. A single hive can contain between 20,000 and 80,000 worker bees. Interesting Facts About Beesīees, especially honey bees, are generally social creatures that live in large colonies. With over 20,000 species, the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most well-known, renowned for its honey production. Most bee species are identifiable by their fuzzy bodies, often adorned with black and yellow or orange stripes. Our comprehensive bee identification chart will assist you in recognizing and distinguishing the identifying features of various types of bees.īees are small flying insects commonly found in summer gardens, buzzing from flower to flower. Have you ever come across a bee and wished you could identify it? This article is a visual guide designed to help you identify 38 different types of bees. Share on Email Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn

Large bee with black and white stripes