Native-bee
Guides
Agapostemon coloradinus
Colorado Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon coloradinus, the Colorado striped-sweat bee, is a species of metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Agapostemon, which are distributed across North America. Members of this genus are commonly known as "green sweat bees" due to their distinctive metallic coloration. The specific epithet "coloradinus" suggests a connection to Colorado, though the full geographic range extends more broadly. Like other halictid bees, it is a solitary or primitively eusocial pollinator that nests in soil.
Agapostemon nasutus
Concave-nosed Striped-Sweat bee
Agapostemon nasutus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, known for its metallic green coloration typical of the genus. The species was described by Smith in 1853 and is distributed across Middle America, North America, and South America. It is one of two recognized subspecies, with Agapostemon nasutus nasutus representing the nominate form and Agapostemon nasutus gualanicus described by Cockerell.
Andrena aliciae
Yellow-faced Miner Bee
Andrena aliciae, known as the Yellow-faced Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that are important spring pollinators. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nests provisioned with pollen for its larvae.
Andrena banksi
Banks' Mining Bee, Banks' Andrena
Andrena banksi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species was described by Malloch in 1917 and is commonly known as Banks' Mining Bee or Banks' Andrena. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates burrows in soil. The species is part of a large genus of mining bees that are important spring pollinators in temperate forests and open habitats.
Andrena bradleyi
Bradley's Mining Bee, Bradley's Andrena
Andrena bradleyi is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Bradley's Mining Bee or Bradley's Andrena. It is a ground-nesting bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: excavating tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species was described by Viereck in 1907.
Andrena confederata
Southern Mining Bee, southern miner
Andrena confederata is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Viereck in 1917. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting species that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen for its developing young.
Andrena dunningi
Dunning's Miner Bee, Dunning's Miner
Andrena dunningi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and lay eggs. As a spring-flying bee, it contributes to early-season pollination. The species is one of many Andrena bees that form a significant component of native bee diversity in temperate North American habitats.
Andrena erythrogaster
Red-tailed Mining Bee, red-tailed andrena, red-bellied miner bee
Andrena erythrogaster is a solitary mining bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical ground-nesting behavior characteristic of mining bees. The species is distinguished by its reddish abdominal coloration, reflected in both its scientific and common names. Like other Andrena species, it is a spring-active pollinator that nests in excavated burrows in soil.
Andrena fragilis
Fragile Miner Bee, Fragile Dogwood Andrena
Andrena fragilis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. The species belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that excavate tunnels in soil to provision their larvae with pollen. Like other Andrena species, it is active in spring and contributes to pollination of early-flowering plants.
Andrena fuscicauda
Brown-tailed Miner Bee, Dark-tailed Mining Bee, Dark-tailed Andrena
Andrena fuscicauda is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, characterized by its brown or dark-colored tail. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: ground-nesting behavior, solitary reproduction, and spring activity. The species is known from North America, though detailed ecological studies specific to this species remain limited.
Andrena geranii
Geranium Miner Bee, Geranium Andrena
Andrena geranii is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Geranium Miner Bee or Geranium Andrena, names reflecting its documented association with geranium plants (Pelargonium and Geranium species). Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species is part of the diverse Andrena fauna of eastern North America, though detailed ecological studies specific to this species remain limited.
Andrena levipes
Andrena levipes is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1967. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it shares the characteristic fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, excavating tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Andrena miserabilis
Miserable Mining Bee, Miserable Andrena
Andrena miserabilis, commonly known as the Miserable Mining Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1872 and occurs in Central America and North America. As with other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting solitary bee that plays a role in pollination.
Andrena rugosa
rugose andrena, wrinkled miner bee, Rugose Mining Bee
Andrena rugosa is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the rugose andrena or wrinkled miner bee. The species is native to North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen for its larvae. The specific epithet "rugosa" refers to a wrinkled or rough appearance, likely describing some aspect of the bee's morphology.
Andrena sola
Lonely Mining Bee, lonely miner
Andrena sola is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Lonely Mining Bee. It is native to Central America and North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, constructing underground burrows for reproduction. The specific epithet "sola" (Latin for "alone" or "lonely") reflects its solitary nature rather than social behavior.
Andrena violae
Violet Miner
Andrena violae is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Robertson in 1891. It is native to North America with confirmed records from Vermont and surrounding regions. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the fossorial nesting behavior typical of the group, excavating underground tunnels in which to rear its young. The species is known to forage on violet (Viola) species, as indicated by its specific epithet.
Andrena vulpicolor
Andrena vulpicolor is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the large genus Andrena, which contains over 250 species of solitary, ground-nesting bees. Like other members of this genus, it is a solitary bee that nests in soil and provisions its young with pollen. The species is native to North America.
Anthidium emarginatum
Emarginated Carder Bee
Anthidium emarginatum is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Emarginated Carder Bee. First described by Thomas Say in 1824, this species belongs to the genus Anthidium, which includes bees known for collecting plant fibers (carding) to line their nest cells. The species is native to North America.
Anthidium maculosum
Spotted Woolcarder
Anthidium maculosum is a solitary carder bee in the family Megachilidae, notable for its unusual sexual dimorphism where males are significantly larger than females—a reversal of the typical bee pattern. Males establish and defend territories around flowering patches of Monarda mint, while females practice polyandry, mating multiple times to gain access to guarded resources. The species ranges from the Pacific Northwest through Mexico to Honduras.
Anthidium palliventre
Pacific Woolcarder
Anthidium palliventre is a megachilid bee native to western North America, commonly known as the Pacific Woolcarder. Females collect plant fibers, particularly from hairy leaves such as lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina), to construct nest cells. Males establish and defend floral territories, exhibiting aggressive behavior toward other insects that approach their claimed flowers. The species is closely related to the introduced European wool carder bee (Anthidium manicatum), but is native rather than invasive.
Anthophora californica
California Digger Bee, California Anthophora
Anthophora californica is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae, found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Cresson in 1869 and includes two recognized subspecies: A. c. albomarginata and A. c. californica. As a member of the genus Anthophora, it exhibits ground-nesting behavior typical of digger bees. The species is part of the diverse native bee fauna of western North America.
Anthophora urbana
Urbane Digger Bee
Anthophora urbana is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Urbane Digger Bee. It is native to Central America and North America, with a broad distribution that includes arid regions such as the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The species is a floral generalist, collecting pollen and nectar from diverse plant species. A. urbana is notable for being proposed as a candidate for California's state bee due to its widespread presence and representation of solitary native bees.
Anthophora ursina
Anthophora ursina is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Anthophora, it is part of a group of ground-nesting bees commonly known as digger bees. The species was described by Cresson in 1869.
Bombus affinis
Rusty-patched Bumble Bee, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Bombus affinis, the rusty-patched bumble bee, is a large eusocial bumble bee endemic to North America. Once among the most common bumble bees in the eastern and upper Midwest United States and southern Canada, it has declined by approximately 87-90% across its historical range since the late 1990s. It was listed as endangered in Canada in 2010 and became the first bee in the continental United States to receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act in January 2017. The species is distinguished by a distinctive rust-colored patch on the second abdominal segment of workers and has notably shorter tongues than other bumble bee species.
Bombus bimaculatus
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Bombus bimaculatus, the Two-spotted Bumble Bee, is a social bumble bee native to eastern North America. The species is distinguished by two prominent yellow spots on its abdomen, which give it its common name. Unlike many Bombus species, B. bimaculatus has shown relative stability in population trends. It is an important pollinator in its native range, contributing to both wild plant reproduction and agricultural crop pollination.
Bombus pensylvanicus
American bumblebee, Sonoran bumblebee
Bombus pensylvanicus is a threatened bumble bee species historically widespread across eastern North America. Populations have declined approximately 90% since the early 2000s, with range contractions particularly severe in northern and eastern portions of its former distribution. The species is a long-tongued pollinator favoring open grassland and agricultural habitats. It maintains a typical bumble bee colony cycle with queens initiating nests in early spring and colonies persisting until late autumn. The species is of significant conservation concern and has been proposed for Endangered Species Act protection.
Bombus ternarius
Tricolored Bumble Bee, Orange-belted Bumblebee
Bombus ternarius is a small, slender bumblebee distinguished by its striking tricolor pattern of yellow, orange, and black bands. It is a ground-nesting, eusocial species with an annual colony cycle lasting one season. The species is common throughout the northeastern United States and much of Canada, where it serves as an important pollinator of native plants including Rubus, goldenrods, Vaccinium, and milkweeds.
Bombus vagans bolsteri
Bolster's Bumble Bee
Bombus vagans bolsteri, commonly known as Bolster's Bumble Bee, is a subspecies of the half-black bumble bee. It is a native North American bumble bee in the genus Bombus, family Apidae. As a member of this genus, it is a social bee that lives in colonies with queens, workers, and males. The species Bombus vagans is known for its distinctive half-black coloration pattern, and the subspecies bolsteri represents a regional variant.
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus
Nearctic Bumble Bee
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus is a subspecies of bumble bee native to western North America. It belongs to a species complex that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities previously treating it as a distinct species (Bombus nearcticus) or synonymizing it with related taxa. The subspecies occurs in montane and coastal regions where it participates in pollination networks. Like other bumble bees in the subgenus Pyrobombus, it exhibits social colony structure with a single queen founding nests in spring.
Bombus vandykei
Van Dyke's bumble bee, Van Dyke's bumblebee
Bombus vandykei, commonly known as Van Dyke's bumble bee, is a species of bumble bee native to western North America. The species was first described by Frison in 1927 and is named in honor of entomologist Henry Van Dyke. It is a medium-sized bumble bee with distinctive coloration that distinguishes it from closely related species. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Brachymelecta californica
California Digger-cuckoo Bee
Brachymelecta californica, the California digger-cuckoo bee, is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. As a cuckoo bee, it does not construct its own nests or collect pollen, but instead lays eggs in the nests of host bees, primarily species of Anthophora. The species is native to western North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range including California and adjacent regions.
Calliopsis nebraskensis
Nebraska calliopsis
Calliopsis nebraskensis, the Nebraska calliopsis, is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is a ground-nesting solitary bee native to North America. The species was described by Crawford in 1902. Like other members of the genus Calliopsis, it likely nests in sandy or loose soils.
Calliopsis zebrata bobbae
A subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, known from sandy soils in Colorado and adjacent regions. Males are notably larger than typical for the genus Calliopsis and exhibit distinctive flight behavior, hovering persistently over nesting sites. The subspecies was described by Rozen in 1958 and is part of the diverse native bee fauna of western North America.
Ceratina acantha
small carpenter bee
Ceratina acantha is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, native to Central and North America. It is one of numerous Ceratina species that contribute to wild bee pollination services, though like most small carpenter bees, it is not among the dominant crop-pollinating species. These bees are solitary or weakly social and nest in pre-existing cavities in dead plant material. The species has been documented in studies examining pollinator responses to flower density, showing flexible foraging patterns compared to larger social bees.
Ceratina calcarata
Spurred Ceratina
Ceratina calcarata is a small carpenter bee native to eastern North America, ranging from Georgia to Ontario and east to Nova Scotia. It exhibits facultative subsocial behavior, with mothers providing extended care to offspring and producing a distinctive worker-like "dwarf eldest daughter" that forages for siblings. This species has become an important model organism for studying the evolutionary origins of social behavior, being the first subsocial bee species to have its genome published.
Ceratina cockerelli
Cockerell's ceratina
Ceratina cockerelli is a small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, described by H. S. Smith in 1907. Like other members of the genus Ceratina, it is a solitary bee that nests in preexisting cavities such as hollow plant stems. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, where it contributes to wild bee diversity and pollination services. It is one of many Ceratina species that collectively represent important pollinators in various ecosystems.
Ceratina mikmaqi
small carpenter bee
Ceratina mikmaqi is a small carpenter bee native to eastern North America, described in 2011. It belongs to a genus of solitary bees that nest in the pith of dead twigs. In southern Ontario, it has been documented as locally common, where it constructs linear nests primarily in Fuller's teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). The species is genetically distinct from its congener C. dupla, with which it was previously confused, separated by five fixed nucleotide differences and approximately 1.86% sequence divergence in DNA barcode analysis.
Ceratina nanula
Tiny Small carpenter, dwarf ceratina
Ceratina nanula is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1897. It is one of the smallest members of the genus Ceratina, commonly known as the "dwarf ceratina" or "tiny small carpenter." The species has been documented in Central America and North America. Like other Ceratina species, it is a solitary bee that nests in pithy or hollow plant stems.
Ceratina sequoiae
small carpenter bee
Ceratina sequoiae is a small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, described by Michener in 1936. It is native to North America and has been documented as a specialist pollinator of Clarkia flowers. Like other members of the genus Ceratina, it is a solitary bee that nests in pithy or hollow plant stems. The species is part of a broader group of small carpenter bees that contribute to wild bee diversity and ecosystem function, though specific ecological studies on this species remain limited.
Ceratina strenua
nimble ceratina, nimble small carpenter bee
Ceratina strenua, commonly known as the nimble ceratina, is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the genus Ceratina, it belongs to a group of small, solitary bees that nest in hollow plant stems or other pre-existing cavities. The species has been documented as a pollinator of multiple flowering plants, including Penstemon digitalis, Monarda fistulosa, and Eryngium yuccifolium, and exhibits flexible foraging preferences that vary depending on flower identity and competitive context.
Coelioxys alternatus
Alternate Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee
Coelioxys alternatus is a North American species of cuckoo leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae. As a kleptoparasite, females do not construct their own nests but instead lay eggs in the nests of host leafcutter bees (Megachile species). The developing larva kills the host egg or larva and consumes the pollen provisions stored by the host female. The species is recorded from Vermont and other parts of eastern North America.
Coelioxys coturnix
Coelioxys coturnix is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as sharp-tailed bees or cuckoo leafcutting bees. As a cleptoparasite, females do not construct their own nests or provision cells with pollen. Instead, they exploit nests of host bees in the genus Megachile, laying eggs in host cells where their larvae kill the host offspring and consume the stored provisions. The species has been documented exhibiting hospicidal behavior, where the parasitic larva actively kills the host egg or larva.
cleptoparasitecuckoo-beeMegachilidaesolitary-beehospicidal-behaviorsharp-tailed-beecuckoo-leafcutting-beenest-parasiteMegachile-parasitenative-beepollinator-communitybee-hotel-inhabitantlarval-instars-describedPérez-1884PalaearcticNearcticAfrotropicalOrientalmultiple-continentschemical-cue-trackingpopulation-regulationnon-stingingno-nest-constructionpollen-transport-absentabdominal-spinehost-egg-killinglarval-development-on-host-provisionsseasonal-emergence-synchronized-with-hostmale-patrolling-behaviornest-tunnel-entry-during-host-absenceartificial-nesting-block-use-indicatorbee-conservation-indicator-speciesspecialized-parasitenative-bee-diversity-componentno-direct-agricultural-roleobserver-interest-speciesbee-monitoring-targetmorphological-identification-required-for-species-levelgenus-level-traits-well-documentedspecies-specific-details-limited-in-sourcesCoelioxys modestus
Modest Sharptail
Coelioxys modestus is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Modest Sharptail. It is a cleptoparasitic bee that targets other Megachilidae, particularly leafcutter bees (Megachile). The species occurs in North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other Coelioxys, females possess a distinctive pointed abdomen adapted for inserting eggs into host nests.
Coelioxys obtusiventris
Coelioxys obtusiventris is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a cleptoparasite that exploits the nests of leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). The female lays her egg in the host's provisioned nest cell, and her larva kills the host egg or larva before consuming the stored pollen and nectar. This species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Coelioxys worldwide.
cleptoparasitecuckoo-beeleafcutter-bee-parasiteMegachilidaesolitary-beeNorth-Americabee-hotel-inhabitantHymenopteraApoideaCoelioxysMegachile-parasitenest-parasitepollinator-parasite1914-descriptionCrawfordendoparasitoidbee-biologynative-beewild-beegarden-beeartificial-nest-userbee-conservation-indicatorCoelioxys octodentatus
Eight-toothed Cuckoo Leaf-cutter Bee
Coelioxys octodentatus is a kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Eight-toothed Cuckoo Leaf-cutter Bee. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, it parasitizes nests of leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.) rather than constructing its own. Females deposit eggs into host nest cells, and their larvae eliminate the host egg or larva before consuming the pollen provisions. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Middle America.
Coelioxys porterae
Coelioxys porterae is a species of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, commonly known as sharp-tailed bees or cuckoo leafcutting bees, this species exhibits a parasitic lifestyle targeting other megachilid bees. The species is known from North America, with records from Vermont. Like other Coelioxys species, females likely deposit eggs in the nests of host bees, where their larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and kill the host egg or larva.
Coelioxys rufitarsis
red-legged cuckoo leafcutter bee, red-footed cuckoo leafcutter
Coelioxys rufitarsis is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the red-legged cuckoo leafcutter bee. Native to North America, this species does not construct its own nests but instead parasitizes the nests of other megachilid bees, particularly leafcutter bees in the genus Megachile. Females deposit eggs in host nest cells, and their larvae kill the host egg or larva before consuming the pollen provisions intended for the host offspring.
Coelioxys slossoni slossoni
Coelioxys slossoni slossoni is a subspecies of sharp-tailed bee in the family Megachilidae. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, it is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that exploits the nests of leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). The female lays her eggs in the nest cells of host bees, and her larvae kill the host egg or larva before consuming the pollen provisions. The subspecies was described by Viereck in 1902 and occurs in North America.
Colletes aestivalis
Alumroot Cellophane Bee, Summer Cellophane Bee
Colletes aestivalis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Alumroot Cellophane Bee. It is one of approximately 99 Colletes species in North America. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line brood cells with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The specific epithet 'aestivalis' (Latin for 'of summer') reflects its summer flight period, distinguishing it from many congeners that are active in spring or fall.
Colletes birkmanni
polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee
Colletes birkmanni is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, one of approximately 99 North American species in the genus Colletes. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy or thinly vegetated soils and line brood cells with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. This species belongs to a group commonly called 'polyester bees' or 'plasterer bees' due to this unique waterproofing behavior.