77 Types of Bees in Indiana
Yes, Indiana is home to dozens of unique bee species, ranging from the social honey bee to various solitary native pollinators. You will see them most frequently from April through October in residential gardens, restored prairies, and along woodland edges where wildflowers are abundant. Identifying them is a rewarding challenge that involves watching for body size, hair patterns, and flight behavior. Start by observing flowers in bloom, especially patches of clover, bee balm, and goldenrod which are favorites for many local species.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- July, June, September
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
77 types of bees recorded in Indiana
77 bee species have a verified observation record in Indiana across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
8 of the 50 shown are recorded as introduced to Indiana rather than native.
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Also recorded in Indiana
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 239 |
| 14 | Black-and-gold Bumble BeeBombus auricomus | Bombus auricomus | 225 |
| 15 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 220 |
| 16 | Spring Beauty MinerAndrena erigeniae | Andrena erigeniae | 199 |
| 17 | Oblong Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium oblongatum | Anthidium oblongatum | 124 |
| 18 | Taurus Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia taurus | Osmia taurus | 84 |
| 19 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 72 |
| 20 | Pruinose Squash BeeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 67 |
| 21 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 62 |
| 22 | Dark-veined Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes trinodis | Melissodes trinodis | 57 |
| 23 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 53 |
| 24 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 52 |
| 25 | Eastern Thistle Longhorn BeeMelissodes desponsus | Melissodes desponsus | 51 |
| 26 | Wilke's Mining BeeIntroducedAndrena wilkella | Andrena wilkella | 48 |
| 27 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 47 |
| 28 | Pugnacious Leafcutter BeeMegachile pugnata | Megachile pugnata | 45 |
| 29 | Dark-winged Sweat BeeLasioglossum fuscipenne | Lasioglossum fuscipenne | 45 |
| 30 | Dunning's MinerAndrena dunningi | Andrena dunningi | 41 |
| 31 | Orange-tipped Wood-diggerAnthophora terminalis | Anthophora terminalis | 40 |
| 32 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 39 |
| 33 | Black-and-yellow Nomad BeeNomada luteoloides | Nomada luteoloides | 39 |
| 34 | Hibiscus Turret BeePtilothrix bombiformis | Ptilothrix bombiformis | 37 |
| 35 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 37 |
| 36 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 36 |
| 37 | Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo BeeTriepeolus lunatus | Triepeolus lunatus | 36 |
| 38 | Denticulate Longhorn BeeMelissodes denticulatus | Melissodes denticulatus | 34 |
| 39 | Coneflower Mining BeeAndrena rudbeckiae | Andrena rudbeckiae | 31 |
| 40 | Bufflehead Mason BeeOsmia bucephala | Osmia bucephala | 30 |
| 41 | Abrupt Digger BeeAnthophora abrupta | Anthophora abrupta | 29 |
| 42 | Louisiana Painted-Dark beeStelis louisae | Stelis louisae | 28 |
| 43 | Spotted Nomad BeeNomada maculata | Nomada maculata | 28 |
| 44 | Sculptured Resin BeeIntroducedMegachile sculpturalis | Megachile sculpturalis | 27 |
| 45 | Broad-footed Cellophane BeeColletes latitarsis | Colletes latitarsis | 27 |
| 46 | Cranesbill MinerAndrena distans | Andrena distans | 24 |
| 47 | Drury's Long-horned BeeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 24 |
| 48 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 22 |
| 49 | Texas Leafcutter BeeMegachile texana | Megachile texana | 22 |
| 50 | Nimble CeratinaCeratina strenua | Ceratina strenua | 22 |
Plus 27 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 107 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
27,672 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Indiana, most often in July, June, September.
When bee are recorded in Indiana
Yes, Indiana is home to dozens of unique bee species, ranging from the social honey bee to various solitary native pollinators. You will see them most frequently from April through October in residential gardens, restored prairies, and along woodland edges where wildflowers are abundant. Identifying them is a rewarding challenge that involves watching for body size, hair patterns, and flight behavior. Start by observing flowers in bloom, especially patches of clover, bee balm, and goldenrod which are favorites for many local species.
1. What Types of Bees Can You Find in Indiana?
Indiana's bee population includes honey bees, which are slender with amber bands, and various species of bumblebees that are large, fuzzy, and marked with black and yellow. You will also see carpenter bees that have a shiny black abdomen and are often seen boring into untreated wood. Sweat bees are much smaller and often have a brilliant metallic green or blue sheen. Leafcutter bees are another common type, easily identified by the neat circular holes they cut in leaves to line their nests. For more on bee identification, browse our/animals/beepage to compare different families.
2. Where in Indiana Are Bees Most Often Seen?
Bees are most common in sunny, flower-rich areas throughout the state. Top spots include state parks like Brown County and Turkey Run, as well as the restored prairies at Jasper-Pulaski and Kankakee Sands. The Indiana Dunes National Park is another excellent location due to its high plant diversity. I have had the best luck around patches of native wildflowers such as purple coneflower, bee balm, and goldenrod. Avoid dense, dark forests and open water where flowers are scarce and foraging opportunities are limited for most bee species.
3. When Is the Best Season for Bee Spotting in Indiana?
Bee activity in Indiana ramps up in April as temperatures warm and spring flowers begin to bloom. Activity peaks from July through September when the largest number of species are active simultaneously. The season then tapers off by late October as the first frosts arrive. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times because bees are most active and the low light makes them easier to photograph and observe. Cool, rainy, or very windy days will significantly slow them down. If you are planning a trip, check our/wildlife/indianapage for seasonal tips and current weather conditions.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How Can You Tell Honey Bees Apart from Bumblebees?
Honey bees are relatively small, usually about half an inch long, with golden-brown bodies and faint stripes. They have a slender, more aerodynamic shape. Bumblebees are much chunkier and can be up to an inch long. They are covered in dense black and yellow fuzz and often have a white or orange tip on their tail. Watch their flight behavior: honey bees tend to dart directly between flowers, while bumblebees lumber slowly and spend more time hovering. Carpenter bees look similar to bumblebees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen that reflects the light like polished plastic.
5. What Are the Most Common Bee Lookalikes in Indiana?
Yellow jackets are the insects most often mistaken for bees in Indiana. They have a distinct narrow waist, a smooth and shiny body, and exhibit much more aggressive behavior around food. Hoverflies, also known as flower flies, imitate bees to avoid predators but have only two wings while bees have four. Some beetles, like the bee-mimicking longhorn beetle, can also fool beginners at first glance. Always count the wings and check the waist size before confirming a sighting. True bees also have much longer antennae than most flies.
6. Where Should Beginners Start Looking for Bees?
The best place to start is often your own backyard or a local neighborhood park. Plant a small patch of native wildflowers or herbs like lavender, mint, and thyme to attract them. Leaving a small patch of bare, undisturbed soil can provide a home for ground-nesting bees, which make up the majority of our native species. You can also install a bee hotel made from untreated wood or hollow stems. Move slowly and watch from a few feet away to see them work. For more specifics on Indiana habitats, visit our/wildlife/indianaguide for recommended locations.
7. What Gear or Tools Can Help You Identify Bees?
A decent pair of binoculars helps you see markings without disturbing the bee. A field guide app or a printed ID chart is useful. I carry a notebook to sketch patterns. For a field-ready shirt, try this:
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
A polyester tee that reminds you why you're out there. Lightweight and quick-drying.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz
A laser-engraved tumbler with honeycomb pattern, perfect for keeping a drink handy during long observations.Check Price and Availability
For more bee items, browse our/stickerscollection.
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. How Can You Support Bee Populations in Indiana?
Plant a variety of native flowers that bloom from spring all the way through fall. Avoid using pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, which are highly toxic to all pollinators. Provide nesting sites by leaving dead wood for carpenter bees and bare ground for mining bees. Consider buying honey from local Indiana beekeepers to support the industry. If you want to show your support, this tee does the trick:
Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee
A soft cotton tee with a simple bee motif. Great for casual days.Check Price and Availability
Find more bee-themed apparel and gifts at/stickersand/wildlife/indiana.
9. What is the most common bee species found in Indiana?
While the honey bee is the most famous, the common eastern bumblebee is likely the species you will see most often in Indiana gardens. They are highly adaptable and can be found in both rural and urban environments. These bees are easy to recognize by their large size and the single yellow stripe on their abdomen. They are excellent pollinators for many native Indiana plants and are active from early spring through the first frost of autumn.
10. Are there any endangered bee species in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana is part of the remaining range for the rusty patched bumblebee, which is a federally endangered species. This bee was once common across the Midwest but has seen a dramatic decline in recent decades. Identifying one requires a close look at the second segment of the abdomen for a small, rusty-colored patch. If you think you have found one, it is important to take a photo and report it to wildlife authorities to help with conservation efforts.
11. Do all bees in Indiana live in large colonies or hives?
No, the vast majority of bee species in Indiana are actually solitary. Unlike honey bees and bumblebees, solitary bees like mason bees and mining bees do not have a queen or a hive. Each female builds her own individual nest and provides food for her own offspring. These bees are generally very docile and rarely sting because they do not have a large colony to defend. They are incredibly efficient pollinators and are vital for the health of Indiana's natural ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
1. What Types of Bees Can You Find in Indiana?+
Indiana's bee population includes honey bees, which are slender with amber bands, and various species of bumblebees that are large, fuzzy, and marked with black and yellow. You will also see carpenter bees that have a shiny black abdomen and are often seen boring into untreated wood. Sweat bees are much smaller and often have a brilliant metallic green or blue sheen. Leafcutter bees are another common type, easily identified by the neat circular holes they cut in leaves to line their nests. For more on bee identification, browse our/animals/beepage to compare different families.
2. Where in Indiana Are Bees Most Often Seen?+
Bees are most common in sunny, flower-rich areas throughout the state. Top spots include state parks like Brown County and Turkey Run, as well as the restored prairies at Jasper-Pulaski and Kankakee Sands. The Indiana Dunes National Park is another excellent location due to its high plant diversity. I have had the best luck around patches of native wildflowers such as purple coneflower, bee balm, and goldenrod. Avoid dense, dark forests and open water where flowers are scarce and foraging opportunities are limited for most bee species.
3. When Is the Best Season for Bee Spotting in Indiana?+
Bee activity in Indiana ramps up in April as temperatures warm and spring flowers begin to bloom. Activity peaks from July through September when the largest number of species are active simultaneously. The season then tapers off by late October as the first frosts arrive. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times because bees are most active and the low light makes them easier to photograph and observe. Cool, rainy, or very windy days will significantly slow them down. If you are planning a trip, check our/wildlife/indianapage for seasonal tips and current weather conditions. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How Can You Tell Honey Bees Apart from Bumblebees?+
Honey bees are relatively small, usually about half an inch long, with golden-brown bodies and faint stripes. They have a slender, more aerodynamic shape. Bumblebees are much chunkier and can be up to an inch long. They are covered in dense black and yellow fuzz and often have a white or orange tip on their tail. Watch their flight behavior: honey bees tend to dart directly between flowers, while bumblebees lumber slowly and spend more time hovering. Carpenter bees look similar to bumblebees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen that reflects the light like polished plastic.
5. What Are the Most Common Bee Lookalikes in Indiana?+
Yellow jackets are the insects most often mistaken for bees in Indiana. They have a distinct narrow waist, a smooth and shiny body, and exhibit much more aggressive behavior around food. Hoverflies, also known as flower flies, imitate bees to avoid predators but have only two wings while bees have four. Some beetles, like the bee-mimicking longhorn beetle, can also fool beginners at first glance. Always count the wings and check the waist size before confirming a sighting. True bees also have much longer antennae than most flies.
6. Where Should Beginners Start Looking for Bees?+
The best place to start is often your own backyard or a local neighborhood park. Plant a small patch of native wildflowers or herbs like lavender, mint, and thyme to attract them. Leaving a small patch of bare, undisturbed soil can provide a home for ground-nesting bees, which make up the majority of our native species. You can also install a bee hotel made from untreated wood or hollow stems. Move slowly and watch from a few feet away to see them work. For more specifics on Indiana habitats, visit our/wildlife/indianaguide for recommended locations.
7. What Gear or Tools Can Help You Identify Bees?+
A decent pair of binoculars helps you see markings without disturbing the bee. A field guide app or a printed ID chart is useful. I carry a notebook to sketch patterns. For a field-ready shirt, try this: ### Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt A polyester tee that reminds you why you're out there. Lightweight and quick-drying.Check Price and Availability ### Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz A laser-engraved tumbler with honeycomb pattern, perfect for keeping a drink handy during long observations.Check Price and Availability For more bee items, browse our/stickerscollection. ### Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. How Can You Support Bee Populations in Indiana?+
Plant a variety of native flowers that bloom from spring all the way through fall. Avoid using pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, which are highly toxic to all pollinators. Provide nesting sites by leaving dead wood for carpenter bees and bare ground for mining bees. Consider buying honey from local Indiana beekeepers to support the industry. If you want to show your support, this tee does the trick: ### Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee A soft cotton tee with a simple bee motif. Great for casual days.Check Price and Availability Find more bee-themed apparel and gifts at/stickersand/wildlife/indiana.
9. What is the most common bee species found in Indiana?+
While the honey bee is the most famous, the common eastern bumblebee is likely the species you will see most often in Indiana gardens. They are highly adaptable and can be found in both rural and urban environments. These bees are easy to recognize by their large size and the single yellow stripe on their abdomen. They are excellent pollinators for many native Indiana plants and are active from early spring through the first frost of autumn.
10. Are there any endangered bee species in Indiana?+
Yes, Indiana is part of the remaining range for the rusty patched bumblebee, which is a federally endangered species. This bee was once common across the Midwest but has seen a dramatic decline in recent decades. Identifying one requires a close look at the second segment of the abdomen for a small, rusty-colored patch. If you think you have found one, it is important to take a photo and report it to wildlife authorities to help with conservation efforts.
11. Do all bees in Indiana live in large colonies or hives?+
No, the vast majority of bee species in Indiana are actually solitary. Unlike honey bees and bumblebees, solitary bees like mason bees and mining bees do not have a queen or a hive. Each female builds her own individual nest and provides food for her own offspring. These bees are generally very docile and rarely sting because they do not have a large colony to defend. They are incredibly efficient pollinators and are vital for the health of Indiana's natural ecosystems.