94 Types of Bees in Florida
Florida is home to over 300 species of bees, from the familiar honey bee to the metallic sweat bee. This guide focuses on the types you are most likely to encounter, how to tell them apart, and the best spots and seasons for sightings. Skip the trivia and get straight to practical field marks.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
94 types of bees recorded in Florida
94 bee species have a verified observation record in Florida across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
4 of the 50 shown are recorded as introduced to Florida rather than native.
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Also recorded in Florida
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Common Longhorn BeeMelissodes communis | Melissodes communis | 556 |
| 14 | Pure Green Sweat beeAugochlora pura | Augochlora pura | 447 |
| 15 | Fervid Nomad BeeNomada fervida | Nomada fervida | 373 |
| 16 | Hoary Leafcutter BeeMegachile pruina | Megachile pruina | 372 |
| 17 | Osmia chalybeaOsmia chalybea | Osmia chalybea | 332 |
| 18 | Two-spotted Bumble BeeBombus bimaculatus | Bombus bimaculatus | 309 |
| 19 | Megachile albitarsisMegachile albitarsis | Megachile albitarsis | 308 |
| 20 | Perplexing Rotund-Resin beeAnthidiellum perplexum | Anthidiellum perplexum | 278 |
| 21 | Shining Oil-digger BeeIntroducedCentris nitida | Centris nitida | 258 |
| 22 | Florida Longhorn-CuckooTriepeolus rufithorax | Triepeolus rufithorax | 252 |
| 23 | Coelioxys slossoniCoelioxys slossoni | Coelioxys slossoni | 243 |
| 24 | Florida Small CarpenterCeratina floridana | Ceratina floridana | 236 |
| 25 | Coelioxys dolichosCoelioxys dolichos | Coelioxys dolichos | 219 |
| 26 | Southern Plains Bumble BeeBombus fraternus | Bombus fraternus | 217 |
| 27 | Giant Sweat BeeDieunomia heteropoda | Dieunomia heteropoda | 206 |
| 28 | Southeastern WoodborerLithurgopsis gibbosa | Lithurgopsis gibbosa | 189 |
| 29 | Rufous-backed Cellophane BeeColletes thoracicus | Colletes thoracicus | 167 |
| 30 | Agapostemon poeyiAgapostemon poeyi | Agapostemon poeyi | 139 |
| 31 | Woolly Wall BeeIntroducedMegachile lanata | Megachile lanata | 125 |
| 32 | Centris erransNativeCentris errans | Centris errans | 111 |
| 33 | Florida Pebble BeeDianthidium floridiense | Dianthidium floridiense | 110 |
| 34 | Black-legged Longhorn beeEpimelissodes atripes | Epimelissodes atripes | 107 |
| 35 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 98 |
| 36 | Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo BeeTriepeolus lunatus | Triepeolus lunatus | 82 |
| 37 | Schwarz's Masked BeeHylaeus schwarzii | Hylaeus schwarzii | 80 |
| 38 | Gulf Coast Evening BeeHesperapis oraria | Hesperapis oraria | 72 |
| 39 | Lasioglossum reticulatumLasioglossum reticulatum | Lasioglossum reticulatum | 70 |
| 40 | Louisiana Painted-Dark beeStelis louisae | Stelis louisae | 63 |
| 41 | Megachile policarisMegachile policaris | Megachile policaris | 62 |
| 42 | Sandhills Longhorn beeEpimelissodes aegis | Epimelissodes aegis | 58 |
| 43 | Norton's Alkali BeeNomia nortoni | Nomia nortoni | 56 |
| 44 | Spot-fronted Wool-carder BeeAnthidium maculifrons | Anthidium maculifrons | 56 |
| 45 | Say's Cuckoo Leafcutter BeeCoelioxys sayi | Coelioxys sayi | 56 |
| 46 | Petulant Leafcutter BeeMegachile petulans | Megachile petulans | 54 |
| 47 | Miserable Mining BeeAndrena miserabilis | Andrena miserabilis | 53 |
| 48 | Cyclops Blood BeeSphecodes heraclei | Sphecodes heraclei | 48 |
| 49 | Brown-winged Long-horned BeeMelissodes comptoides | Melissodes comptoides | 45 |
| 50 | Megachile inimicaMegachile inimica | Megachile inimica | 43 |
Plus 44 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 105 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Florida is home to over 300 species of bees, from the familiar honey bee to the metallic sweat bee. This guide focuses on the types you are most likely to encounter, how to tell them apart, and the best spots and seasons for sightings. Skip the trivia and get straight to practical field marks.
What are the most useful ID markers for Florida bees?
Start with size, color, and hair patterns. Honey bees are medium sized with golden brown and black bands and a fuzzy thorax. Bumble bees are larger, rounder, and often black with yellow stripes. Carpenter bees are similar to bumble bees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen. Sweat bees are small, often metallic green or blue, and attracted to perspiration. Look at the body shape and hairiness to separate them quickly.
Where in Florida do people usually notice bees first?
Bees are most visible around flowering plants. Start in gardens, parks, and nature reserves. Pay attention to patch of wildflowers, especially in areas like Paynes Prairie Preserve, the Everglades, and along the coast. Urban gardens and citrus groves also attract a lot of activity. The best spot is wherever you see a concentration of blossoms.
When is the best season for confident bee sightings in Florida?
Spring and early summer (March through June) are peak seasons for most bee species. During this time, many native plants bloom and honey bees are actively foraging. Morning hours (8 AM to 11 AM) on warm, sunny days offer the best odds. Avoid windy or rainy days as bees stay in the hive.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify a honey bee in Florida?
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the most common managed bee. They are 10-15 mm long with a warm brown and amber banded abdomen and a fuzzy thorax. They are not aggressive unless provoked. Often seen in large numbers on flowers, especially on clover and citrus. Look for the pollen baskets on their hind legs. They have a distinctive hovering flight pattern before landing.
How do you tell a bumble bee from a carpenter bee?
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are round, covered in dense hair, and have yellow and black bands. Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are similar in size but have a distinctly shiny, bare abdomen. Male carpenter bees have a white face and are territorial, hovering near nesting holes. Bumble bees are social and live in colonies, while carpenter bees are solitary and nest in wood.
What are the small metallic bees you see in Florida?
Those are likely sweat bees (family Halictidae). They are small (3-10 mm) and often brilliant metallic green, blue, or copper. They are attracted to human sweat. Look for them on flowers or sunning on leaves. They are harmless and important pollinators. Augochlora pura is a common bright green species found from spring through fall.
What are the best field marks for a Florida bumble bee?
Focus on the abdomen. Bumble bees have a fuzzy, striped abdomen (yellow and black). The pattern varies by species, but generally there is a yellow band at the front and sometimes a tail. They are about 14-21 mm long. They fly with a low, loud buzz and forage on native plants like partridge pea and goldenrod. Compare with the similar southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa), which has a faster flight and a white face.
What gear helps with bee identification?
A good field guide, a close focus binocular (8x or 10x), and a camera with macro capability are useful. A notebook to record patterns and colors helps, as does a smartphone with a dedicated nature app. For safety, wear light colors and avoid scented products. If you want to show your appreciation for bees, check out thebee-themed wildlife stickersand other items that support pollinator education.
Supplies for bee watchers
Show your support for Florida's bees with a few well chosen items. The **Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt** (24.95) features a detailed illustration of a honey bee approaching a flower, perfect for field trips.
A polyester fitted crew neck that keeps you cool and reminds everyone to protect the bees.Check Price and Availability
For a subtle daily reminder, the **Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap** ($25.65) adds a touch of nature to any outfit.
A sturdy cap with bee embroidery, ideal for sunny days in the field.Check Price and Availability
For a budget friendly option, the **Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee** ($10.86) is a lighthearted choice.
Soft cotton tee with a playful bee saying, great for casual wear.Check Price and Availability
Browse more bee themed gear at ourbee huband explore other Florida wildlife at ourFlorida wildlife page.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz Laser Engraved Honeycomb Tumbler Wrap Floral 20 oz Tumbler Laser File Svg Design Laser Engraving Svg
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions
What are the most useful ID markers for Florida bees?+
Start with size, color, and hair patterns. Honey bees are medium sized with golden brown and black bands and a fuzzy thorax. Bumble bees are larger, rounder, and often black with yellow stripes. Carpenter bees are similar to bumble bees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen. Sweat bees are small, often metallic green or blue, and attracted to perspiration. Look at the body shape and hairiness to separate them quickly.
Where in Florida do people usually notice bees first?+
Bees are most visible around flowering plants. Start in gardens, parks, and nature reserves. Pay attention to patch of wildflowers, especially in areas like Paynes Prairie Preserve, the Everglades, and along the coast. Urban gardens and citrus groves also attract a lot of activity. The best spot is wherever you see a concentration of blossoms.
When is the best season for confident bee sightings in Florida?+
Spring and early summer (March through June) are peak seasons for most bee species. During this time, many native plants bloom and honey bees are actively foraging. Morning hours (8 AM to 11 AM) on warm, sunny days offer the best odds. Avoid windy or rainy days as bees stay in the hive. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you identify a honey bee in Florida?+
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the most common managed bee. They are 10-15 mm long with a warm brown and amber banded abdomen and a fuzzy thorax. They are not aggressive unless provoked. Often seen in large numbers on flowers, especially on clover and citrus. Look for the pollen baskets on their hind legs. They have a distinctive hovering flight pattern before landing.
How do you tell a bumble bee from a carpenter bee?+
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are round, covered in dense hair, and have yellow and black bands. Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are similar in size but have a distinctly shiny, bare abdomen. Male carpenter bees have a white face and are territorial, hovering near nesting holes. Bumble bees are social and live in colonies, while carpenter bees are solitary and nest in wood.
What are the small metallic bees you see in Florida?+
Those are likely sweat bees (family Halictidae). They are small (3-10 mm) and often brilliant metallic green, blue, or copper. They are attracted to human sweat. Look for them on flowers or sunning on leaves. They are harmless and important pollinators. Augochlora pura is a common bright green species found from spring through fall.
What are the best field marks for a Florida bumble bee?+
Focus on the abdomen. Bumble bees have a fuzzy, striped abdomen (yellow and black). The pattern varies by species, but generally there is a yellow band at the front and sometimes a tail. They are about 14-21 mm long. They fly with a low, loud buzz and forage on native plants like partridge pea and goldenrod. Compare with the similar southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa), which has a faster flight and a white face.
What gear helps with bee identification?+
A good field guide, a close focus binocular (8x or 10x), and a camera with macro capability are useful. A notebook to record patterns and colors helps, as does a smartphone with a dedicated nature app. For safety, wear light colors and avoid scented products. If you want to show your appreciation for bees, check out thebee-themed wildlife stickersand other items that support pollinator education.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Florida