84 Types of Bees in Georgia
Georgia hosts over 500 bee species, including honey bees, bumble bees, and carpenter bees. Start by checking blooming gardens in spring or pine savannas in summer. This guide helps you identify common types, separate lookalikes, and find the best spots for sightings.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- June, April, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
84 types of bees recorded in Georgia
84 bee species have a verified observation record in Georgia across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
3 of the 50 shown are recorded as introduced to Georgia rather than native.
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Also recorded in Georgia
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Brown-winged Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon splendens | Agapostemon splendens | 327 |
| 14 | Pure Green Sweat beeAugochlora pura | Augochlora pura | 289 |
| 15 | Southern Carpenter BeeXylocopa micans | Xylocopa micans | 270 |
| 16 | Rufous-backed Cellophane BeeColletes thoracicus | Colletes thoracicus | 261 |
| 17 | Taurus Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia taurus | Osmia taurus | 247 |
| 18 | Bicolored Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon virescens | Agapostemon virescens | 229 |
| 19 | Ligated Furrow BeeHalictus ligatus | Halictus ligatus | 226 |
| 20 | Lemon Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus citrinus | Bombus citrinus | 184 |
| 21 | Hibiscus Turret BeeNativePtilothrix bombiformis | Ptilothrix bombiformis | 179 |
| 22 | Oblique Longhorn BeeEpimelissodes obliquus | Epimelissodes obliquus | 178 |
| 23 | Poey's Furrow BeeHalictus poeyi | Halictus poeyi | 172 |
| 24 | Common Longhorn BeeMelissodes communis | Melissodes communis | 160 |
| 25 | Dark-winged Sweat BeeLasioglossum fuscipenne | Lasioglossum fuscipenne | 160 |
| 26 | Georgia Mason BeeOsmia georgica | Osmia georgica | 131 |
| 27 | Bristle Sweat BeeLasioglossum imitatum | Lasioglossum imitatum | 126 |
| 28 | Passionflower BeeProtandrena passiflorae | Protandrena passiflorae | 94 |
| 29 | Nimble CeratinaCeratina strenua | Ceratina strenua | 85 |
| 30 | Parallel-striped Sweat BeeHalictus parallelus | Halictus parallelus | 83 |
| 31 | Abrupt Digger BeeAnthophora abrupta | Anthophora abrupta | 77 |
| 32 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 77 |
| 33 | Drury's Long-horned BeeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 75 |
| 34 | Barbara's Mining BeeAndrena barbara | Andrena barbara | 73 |
| 35 | Hawthorn Mining BeeAndrena crataegi | Andrena crataegi | 62 |
| 36 | Giant Sweat BeeDieunomia heteropoda | Dieunomia heteropoda | 62 |
| 37 | Morning Glory Turret BeeMelitoma taurea | Melitoma taurea | 61 |
| 38 | Norton's Alkali BeeNomia nortoni | Nomia nortoni | 56 |
| 39 | Mock-orange Scissor BeeChelostoma philadelphi | Chelostoma philadelphi | 55 |
| 40 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 53 |
| 41 | Melissodes dentiventrisMelissodes dentiventris | Melissodes dentiventris | 53 |
| 42 | Black-and-yellow Nomad BeeNomada luteoloides | Nomada luteoloides | 53 |
| 43 | Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo BeeTriepeolus lunatus | Triepeolus lunatus | 47 |
| 44 | Black-and-gold Bumble BeeBombus auricomus | Bombus auricomus | 44 |
| 45 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 41 |
| 46 | Pruinose Squash BeeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 39 |
| 47 | Calliopsis Cuckoo Nomad BeeHolcopasites calliopsidis | Holcopasites calliopsidis | 38 |
| 48 | Andrena cerebrataAndrena cerebrata | Andrena cerebrata | 38 |
| 49 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 36 |
| 50 | Osmia chalybeaOsmia chalybea | Osmia chalybea | 36 |
Plus 34 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 91 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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
39,303 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Georgia, most often in June, April, July.
When bee are recorded in Georgia
Georgia hosts over 500 bee species, including honey bees, bumble bees, and carpenter bees. Start by checking blooming gardens in spring or pine savannas in summer. This guide helps you identify common types, separate lookalikes, and find the best spots for sightings.
1. What are the most common types of bees in Georgia?
The most frequently seen bees in Georgia are European honey bees, bumble bees, carpenter bees, and sweat bees. Honey bees form large colonies and are often in managed hives. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bands. Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but have a shiny black abdomen. Sweat bees are small and metallic. For a full list of species, visit our `/animals/bee` page.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. How can you identify different bees in Georgia?
Focus on size, hairiness, and color patterns. Honey bees are medium-sized with a fuzzy thorax and striped abdomen. Bumble bees are useful and fully hairy. Carpenter bees have a smooth, bare abdomen. Sweat bees are often metallic green or blue. Look at the hind legs: honey bees carry pollen in baskets, while bumble bees have a fuzzy leg. Male carpenter bees have a white face. Compare with wasps: bees are hairy and feed on pollen, wasps are smooth and carnivorous.
See ourBees guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Georgia do people usually notice bees first?
Start in suburban gardens, especially those with native flowers like coneflower and aster. Coastal areas like the Okefenokee Swamp host many species. Pine savannas of the Coastal Plain are hotspots for rare bees. In north Georgia, mountain balds in the Chattahoochee National Forest offer summer blooms. Check `/wildlife/georgia` for more location tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for bee sightings in Georgia?
Bee activity peaks from March to October. Spring brings early foraging for honey and bumble bees. Summer is prime for sweat bees and leafcutter bees. Fall sees bees preparing for winter. Winter activity is limited to warm days when honey bees might take cleansing flights. For best odds, visit on a sunny day with temperatures above 60°F.
5. What makes a bee a bee? Lookalike separation from wasps and flies
Bees have two pairs of wings, feathery hairs, and typically a pollen basket on their hind legs. Wasps have a narrow waist and smooth body; hover flies mimic bees but have only one pair of wings and short antennae. Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumble bees: look for a shiny abdomen. Honey bees are slimmer than bumble bees. If you see a bee on a flower, it’s probably a bee. For more ID help, visit our `/animals/bee` hub.
6. Why are bees important in Georgia's ecosystems?
Bees are key pollinators for Georgia’s crops (blueberries, peaches) and native plants. The state’s diverse habitats support hundreds of native bee species, many of which are solitary and nest in soil or wood. Loss of habitat and pesticides threaten them. Creating bee-friendly gardens with native plants helps. For conservation ideas, browse our `/stickers` to spread awareness.
7. Easy Street Markets bee-themed gear for bee lovers
Celebrate Georgia’s bees with our selected selection of bee apparel and accessories.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
A polyester fitted tee showing a honey bee in flight, perfect for bee enthusiasts.Check Price and Availability
Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee
A casual tee with a classic bee phrase, comfortable for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A stylish cap with a custom bee embroidery, ideal for field trips.Check Price and Availability
Browse more bee items at our `/stickers` shop.
See ourShop wildlife stickersfor 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
8. Frequently asked questions about bees in Georgia
**Are honey bees native to Georgia?** No, honey bees are European imports, but they are naturalized and vital for agriculture.
**Do carpenter bees sting?** Females can sting but rarely do; males have no stinger.
**What is the largest bee in Georgia?** The carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica) is one of the largest.
**When do bees swarm in Georgia?** Swarming happens in spring, often April to June.
**How can I attract native bees to my garden?** Plant native flowers, provide bare soil for nesting, and avoid pesticides.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common types of bees in Georgia?+
The most frequently seen bees in Georgia are European honey bees, bumble bees, carpenter bees, and sweat bees. Honey bees form large colonies and are often in managed hives. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bands. Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but have a shiny black abdomen. Sweat bees are small and metallic. For a full list of species, visit our `/animals/bee` page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. How can you identify different bees in Georgia?+
Focus on size, hairiness, and color patterns. Honey bees are medium-sized with a fuzzy thorax and striped abdomen. Bumble bees are useful and fully hairy. Carpenter bees have a smooth, bare abdomen. Sweat bees are often metallic green or blue. Look at the hind legs: honey bees carry pollen in baskets, while bumble bees have a fuzzy leg. Male carpenter bees have a white face. Compare with wasps: bees are hairy and feed on pollen, wasps are smooth and carnivorous. See ourBees guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Georgia do people usually notice bees first?+
Start in suburban gardens, especially those with native flowers like coneflower and aster. Coastal areas like the Okefenokee Swamp host many species. Pine savannas of the Coastal Plain are hotspots for rare bees. In north Georgia, mountain balds in the Chattahoochee National Forest offer summer blooms. Check `/wildlife/georgia` for more location tips. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for bee sightings in Georgia?+
Bee activity peaks from March to October. Spring brings early foraging for honey and bumble bees. Summer is prime for sweat bees and leafcutter bees. Fall sees bees preparing for winter. Winter activity is limited to warm days when honey bees might take cleansing flights. For best odds, visit on a sunny day with temperatures above 60°F.
6. Why are bees important in Georgia's ecosystems?+
Bees are key pollinators for Georgia’s crops (blueberries, peaches) and native plants. The state’s diverse habitats support hundreds of native bee species, many of which are solitary and nest in soil or wood. Loss of habitat and pesticides threaten them. Creating bee-friendly gardens with native plants helps. For conservation ideas, browse our `/stickers` to spread awareness.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Georgia