134 Types of Bees in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to over 400 bee species, from familiar honey bees to native bumble bees and solitary miners. Start by looking in prairies, gardens, and woodland edges from late spring through early fall. Focus on body size, hairiness, and stripe patterns to tell them apart.
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
- July, August, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
134 types of bees recorded in Minnesota
134 bee species have a verified observation record in Minnesota 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 Minnesota rather than native.
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Also recorded in Minnesota
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Golden Northern Bumble BeeBombus fervidus | Bombus fervidus | 919 |
| 14 | Two-spotted Longhorn BeeMelissodes bimaculatus | Melissodes bimaculatus | 917 |
| 15 | broad-handed leafcutter beeMegachile latimanus | Megachile latimanus | 902 |
| 16 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 659 |
| 17 | Perplexing Bumble BeeBombus perplexus | Bombus perplexus | 629 |
| 18 | Northern Amber Bumble BeeNativeBombus borealis | Bombus borealis | 516 |
| 19 | Dark-veined Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes trinodis | Melissodes trinodis | 466 |
| 20 | Dunning's MinerAndrena dunningi | Andrena dunningi | 351 |
| 21 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 351 |
| 22 | Milwaukee Mining BeeAndrena milwaukeensis | Andrena milwaukeensis | 343 |
| 23 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 339 |
| 24 | Yellow-banded Bumble BeeBombus terricola | Bombus terricola | 336 |
| 25 | Pure Green Sweat beeAugochlora pura | Augochlora pura | 319 |
| 26 | American Bumble BeeBombus pensylvanicus | Bombus pensylvanicus | 301 |
| 27 | Neighborly Mining BeeAndrena vicina | Andrena vicina | 294 |
| 28 | Hawthorn Mining BeeAndrena crataegi | Andrena crataegi | 272 |
| 29 | Wilke's Mining BeeIntroducedAndrena wilkella | Andrena wilkella | 252 |
| 30 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 252 |
| 31 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 248 |
| 32 | Sunflower Burrowing-Resin beeNativeParanthidium jugatorium | Paranthidium jugatorium | 228 |
| 33 | Silky Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon sericeus | Agapostemon sericeus | 220 |
| 34 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 202 |
| 35 | Oblong Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium oblongatum | Anthidium oblongatum | 197 |
| 36 | Blue Orchard BeeOsmia lignaria | Osmia lignaria | 192 |
| 37 | Hairy-banded Mining BeeNativeAndrena hirticincta | Andrena hirticincta | 188 |
| 38 | Texas Leafcutter BeeMegachile texana | Megachile texana | 186 |
| 39 | Eastern Thistle Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes desponsus | Melissodes desponsus | 186 |
| 40 | Bellflower Resin BeeMegachile campanulae | Megachile campanulae | 162 |
| 41 | Orange-tipped Wood-diggerAnthophora terminalis | Anthophora terminalis | 146 |
| 42 | Yellowish Cuckoo Bumble beeBombus flavidus | Bombus flavidus | 144 |
| 43 | Zephyr Sweat BeeLasioglossum zephyrus | Lasioglossum zephyrus | 139 |
| 44 | Drury's Long-horned BeeNativeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 133 |
| 45 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 131 |
| 46 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 102 |
| 47 | Unarmed Leafcutter BeeMegachile inermis | Megachile inermis | 102 |
| 48 | Coneflower Mining BeeNativeAndrena rudbeckiae | Andrena rudbeckiae | 99 |
| 49 | Cloudy-winged Mining BeeNativeAndrena nubecula | Andrena nubecula | 92 |
| 50 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 90 |
Plus 84 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 128 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
87,488 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Minnesota, most often in July, August, June.
When bee are recorded in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to over 400 bee species, from familiar honey bees to native bumble bees and solitary miners. Start by looking in prairies, gardens, and woodland edges from late spring through early fall. Focus on body size, hairiness, and stripe patterns to tell them apart.
1. What are the most common types of bees in Minnesota?
The most common bees you'll see are honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), and various solitary bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees. Honey bees are slender with golden-brown bands, while bumble bees are large, fuzzy, and often black with yellow stripes. Solitary bees are smaller and less social, with metallic colors or distinct pollen-carrying hairs. For more details on bee anatomy, visit ourbee identification hub.
2. How can you tell apart honey bees and bumble bees?
Honey bees are about half the size of bumble bees, with a less hairy abdomen and a slender waist. Bumble bees are useful, densely hairy, and often have a white or orange tail. Honey bees live in large colonies; bumble bees form smaller nests. Look for the pollen baskets on honey bee hind legs (smooth and concave) versus the fuzzy scopa on bumble bee legs.
3. Where in Minnesota are you most likely to spot bees?
Bees thrive in open habitats with abundant flowers. Top spots include the prairies of western Minnesota, the Driftless Area in the southeast, and urban gardens in the Twin Cities. State parks like Glacial Lakes State Park and Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge are reliable. Early morning or late afternoon when flowers are most productive increases your odds. Learn more about Minnesota's wildlife at ourMinnesota hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best time of year to see bees in Minnesota?
Peak bee season runs from mid-May through September, with the highest diversity in July and August. Honey bees are active from spring to fall, while bumble bees emerge earlier (April) and can be seen into October. Solitary bees are often spring specialists, active for only a few weeks. Check blooming schedules for goldenrod and clover to time your search.
5. What are the key identification markers for Minnesota bees?
Focus on three things: size (compare to a penny), hair pattern (fuzzy or smooth), and abdominal stripes. Honey bees have a distinct dark tail and amber bands. Bumble bees have a black head and thorax with yellow bands (variable by species). Look for the face shape: bumble bees have a rounded face, honey bees have an elongated one. Use a field guide or a phone app for close-ups.
6. Are there any bees in Minnesota that look similar to dangerous insects?
Yes, bee mimics include certain flies and wasps. Hover flies (flower flies) lack a narrow waist and have large eyes; they don't have stingers. Yellowjacket wasps are more slender with bright yellow and black, and they have a distinct waist. Bee identification is safer with distance; if it's aggressive and shiny, it's likely a wasp. Remember that most Minnesota bees are solitary and docile.
7. What bee products can help you celebrate Minnesota's bees?
After a day of bee watching, show your appreciation with these picks from Easy Street Markets:
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
A fitted tee featuring a honey bee in flight over a flower, perfect for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A classic cap with embroidered bee detail, ideal for field outings.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Bee Botanical T-Shirt
A comfortable tee with a honeycomb doodle design, great for bee lovers.Check Price and Availability
Browse more bee-themed gifts and accessories at ourstickers collection.
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. What are some common questions about bees in Minnesota?
**Are there killer bees in Minnesota?** No, Africanized honey bees are not established in Minnesota; you will only encounter docile European honey bees and native species.
**Can I keep bees in my Minneapolis backyard?** Yes, beekeeping is allowed in many cities with registration. Check local ordinances and consider native plantings to support pollinators.
**What should I do if I find a bee nest?** Most nests are harmless; observe from a distance. For ground nests, mark the area and avoid disturbing. Leave solitary bee nests in wood or stems alone.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common types of bees in Minnesota?+
The most common bees you'll see are honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), and various solitary bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees. Honey bees are slender with golden-brown bands, while bumble bees are large, fuzzy, and often black with yellow stripes. Solitary bees are smaller and less social, with metallic colors or distinct pollen-carrying hairs. For more details on bee anatomy, visit ourbee identification hub.
2. How can you tell apart honey bees and bumble bees?+
Honey bees are about half the size of bumble bees, with a less hairy abdomen and a slender waist. Bumble bees are useful, densely hairy, and often have a white or orange tail. Honey bees live in large colonies; bumble bees form smaller nests. Look for the pollen baskets on honey bee hind legs (smooth and concave) versus the fuzzy scopa on bumble bee legs.
3. Where in Minnesota are you most likely to spot bees?+
Bees thrive in open habitats with abundant flowers. Top spots include the prairies of western Minnesota, the Driftless Area in the southeast, and urban gardens in the Twin Cities. State parks like Glacial Lakes State Park and Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge are reliable. Early morning or late afternoon when flowers are most productive increases your odds. Learn more about Minnesota's wildlife at ourMinnesota hub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best time of year to see bees in Minnesota?+
Peak bee season runs from mid-May through September, with the highest diversity in July and August. Honey bees are active from spring to fall, while bumble bees emerge earlier (April) and can be seen into October. Solitary bees are often spring specialists, active for only a few weeks. Check blooming schedules for goldenrod and clover to time your search.
5. What are the key identification markers for Minnesota bees?+
Focus on three things: size (compare to a penny), hair pattern (fuzzy or smooth), and abdominal stripes. Honey bees have a distinct dark tail and amber bands. Bumble bees have a black head and thorax with yellow bands (variable by species). Look for the face shape: bumble bees have a rounded face, honey bees have an elongated one. Use a field guide or a phone app for close-ups.
6. Are there any bees in Minnesota that look similar to dangerous insects?+
Yes, bee mimics include certain flies and wasps. Hover flies (flower flies) lack a narrow waist and have large eyes; they don't have stingers. Yellowjacket wasps are more slender with bright yellow and black, and they have a distinct waist. Bee identification is safer with distance; if it's aggressive and shiny, it's likely a wasp. Remember that most Minnesota bees are solitary and docile.
7. What bee products can help you celebrate Minnesota's bees?+
After a day of bee watching, show your appreciation with these picks from Easy Street Markets: ### Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt A fitted tee featuring a honey bee in flight over a flower, perfect for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability ### Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap A classic cap with embroidered bee detail, ideal for field outings.Check Price and Availability ### Vintage Bee Botanical T-Shirt A comfortable tee with a honeycomb doodle design, great for bee lovers.Check Price and Availability Browse more bee-themed gifts and accessories at ourstickers collection. ### 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. What are some common questions about bees in Minnesota?+
**Are there killer bees in Minnesota?** No, Africanized honey bees are not established in Minnesota; you will only encounter docile European honey bees and native species. **Can I keep bees in my Minneapolis backyard?** Yes, beekeeping is allowed in many cities with registration. Check local ordinances and consider native plantings to support pollinators. **What should I do if I find a bee nest?** Most nests are harmless; observe from a distance. For ground nests, mark the area and avoid disturbing. Leave solitary bee nests in wood or stems alone. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Minnesota