Bees in New Jersey: Identification Guide and Best Places to Start
Yes, bees are found throughout New Jersey, from backyard gardens to the Pine Barrens. For spotting, start in places with diverse flowers like meadows, parks, and wetland edges. Most species are active from April to October, with peak activity on warm, sunny days. Look for fuzzy bodies, pollen baskets, and listen for buzzing.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Pyrobombus 路 Adrienne van den Beemt CC BY
Sphecodes confertus 路 Kyle Rossner CC BY
Osmia inspergens 路 Kyle Rossner CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 0
- GBIF records
- July, June, August
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
114 types of bees recorded in New Jersey
114 bee species have a verified observation record in New Jersey 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 New Jersey rather than native.
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Also recorded in New Jersey
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 215 |
| 14 | Hibiscus Turret BeePtilothrix bombiformis | Ptilothrix bombiformis | 195 |
| 15 | Sculptured Resin BeeIntroducedMegachile sculpturalis | Megachile sculpturalis | 179 |
| 16 | Blueberry Digger BeeHabropoda laboriosa | Habropoda laboriosa | 178 |
| 17 | Golden Northern Bumble BeeBombus fervidus | Bombus fervidus | 161 |
| 18 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 155 |
| 19 | Rufous-backed Cellophane BeeColletes thoracicus | Colletes thoracicus | 152 |
| 20 | Dark-winged Sweat BeeLasioglossum fuscipenne | Lasioglossum fuscipenne | 151 |
| 21 | Spring Beauty MinerAndrena erigeniae | Andrena erigeniae | 149 |
| 22 | Brown-winged Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon splendens | Agapostemon splendens | 149 |
| 23 | Lemon Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus citrinus | Bombus citrinus | 144 |
| 24 | Two-spotted Longhorn BeeMelissodes bimaculatus | Melissodes bimaculatus | 141 |
| 25 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 138 |
| 26 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 126 |
| 27 | Barbara's Mining BeeAndrena barbara | Andrena barbara | 122 |
| 28 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 121 |
| 29 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 116 |
| 30 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 104 |
| 31 | Black-and-yellow Nomad BeeNomada luteoloides | Nomada luteoloides | 98 |
| 32 | Dark-veined Longhorn BeeMelissodes trinodis | Melissodes trinodis | 81 |
| 33 | Oblong Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium oblongatum | Anthidium oblongatum | 77 |
| 34 | Wilke's Mining BeeIntroducedAndrena wilkella | Andrena wilkella | 69 |
| 35 | Spotted Nomad BeeNomada maculata | Nomada maculata | 60 |
| 36 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 58 |
| 37 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 57 |
| 38 | Miserable Mining BeeAndrena miserabilis | Andrena miserabilis | 57 |
| 39 | Imbricate Cuckoo Nomad BeeNomada imbricata | Nomada imbricata | 55 |
| 40 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 52 |
| 41 | Megachile exilisMegachile exilis | Megachile exilis | 52 |
| 42 | Louisiana Painted-Dark beeStelis louisae | Stelis louisae | 51 |
| 43 | Denticulate Longhorn BeeMelissodes denticulatus | Melissodes denticulatus | 46 |
| 44 | Taurus Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia taurus | Osmia taurus | 44 |
| 45 | Black-and-gold Bumble BeeBombus auricomus | Bombus auricomus | 41 |
| 46 | Neighborly Mining BeeAndrena vicina | Andrena vicina | 41 |
| 47 | Cloudy-winged Mining BeeAndrena nubecula | Andrena nubecula | 41 |
| 48 | Texas Leafcutter BeeMegachile texana | Megachile texana | 41 |
| 49 | Andrena fenningeriAndrena fenningeri | Andrena fenningeri | 41 |
| 50 | Coelioxys dolichosCoelioxys dolichos | Coelioxys dolichos | 41 |
Plus 64 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 164 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
36,755 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in New Jersey, most often in July, June, August.
When bee are recorded in New Jersey
Yes, bees are found throughout New Jersey, from backyard gardens to the Pine Barrens. For spotting, start in places with diverse flowers like meadows, parks, and wetland edges. Most species are active from April to October, with peak activity on warm, sunny days. Look for fuzzy bodies, pollen baskets, and listen for buzzing.
Where are people most likely to notice bees in New Jersey?
You will most often see bees in areas with abundant flowers: suburban gardens, wildflower meadows, farms, and along woodland edges. State parks like the Pine Barrens and the Delaware Water Gap are good bets. Even city parks and green roofs can host many species. For a broader look at New Jersey wildlife, check out our [/wildlife/new-jersey] page.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
What season or weather patterns help with bee spotting?
Bees are active from early spring (April) through late fall (October). Warm, sunny days with temperatures above 60掳F (15掳C) are best. They are most active in the mid-morning and late afternoon. Avoid windy or rainy days. For more on bee activity patterns, see our [/animals/bee] hub.
See ourBees guidefor the next step.
Simple ID cues that separate bees from lookalikes
Bees are typically useful and hairy, with four wings (held flat at rest). Look for pollen baskets on the hind legs of females. In contrast, wasps are slender, smooth, and often have a narrow waist. Hoverflies mimic bees but have only two wings and no pollen baskets. Start with these cues to tell them apart.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How to identify common bee species in New Jersey?
Honey bees are medium-sized with golden-brown stripes. Bumble bees are large, fuzzy, and often black and yellow. Carpenter bees are similar to bumble bees but have a shiny black abdomen. Sweat bees are small and metallic green or bronze. Check our [/animals/bee] hub for detailed guides.
What are the best habitats to find bees in New Jersey?
Focus on habitats with diverse flowering plants: wildflower meadows, coastal dunes, and freshwater wetlands. The Pine Barrens have unique specialist bees. Also try group gardens and farms. For a state-wide perspective, visit our [/wildlife/new-jersey] page.
Bees in New Jersey: Seasonal activity calendar
- **March-April:** Queens emerge; look for large bumble bee queens.
- **May-June:** Peak activity for most bees; honey bees swarm.
- **July-August:** High diversity; sweat bees and leafcutters abundant.
- **September-October:** Late season; some species still active.
Timing your outings to these windows improves your odds.
What bee-themed gear can enhance your New Jersey outings?
After a day of bee spotting, show your appreciation with these items. They also make great gifts for fellow wildlife watchers.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
This shirt features a honey bee in flight design, perfect for showing your support for bees. Printed on a polyester fitted crew neck tee.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A customized cap with bee embroidery, ideal for sunny field days.Check Price and Availability
Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee
A casual graphic tee with a bee message, great for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Don't forget to check ourwildlife stickersto commemorate your bee sightings.
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 about bees in New Jersey
**Are there endangered bees in New Jersey?** Yes, the rusty patched bumble bee is listed as endangered and has been seen in northern parts of the state. **Can I keep bees in my backyard?** Yes, with proper permits and beekeeping classes. Check local ordinances. **What should I do if I find a bee swarm?** Stay calm, keep distance, and contact a local beekeeper or pest control that relocates. **How can I attract bees to my garden?** Plant native flowers like aster, goldenrod, and clover. Avoid pesticides and provide a water source.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Plan your trip
Best time to see bee in New Jersey: July, June, August
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bee sighting in New Jersey
There are no verified bee records for New Jersey, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Jersey
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Great Egg Harbor River 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Morristown National Historical Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument 路 Find hotels
- Gateway National Recreation Area 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What bee species live in New Jersey?+
You will most often see bees in areas with abundant flowers: suburban gardens, wildflower meadows, farms, and along woodland edges. State parks like the Pine Barrens and the Delaware Water Gap are good bets. Even city parks and green roofs can host many species. For a broader look at New Jersey wildlife, check out our [/wildlife/new-jersey] page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where can you see bees in New Jersey?+
You will most often see bees in areas with abundant flowers: suburban gardens, wildflower meadows, farms, and along woodland edges. State parks like the Pine Barrens and the Delaware Water Gap are good bets. Even city parks and green roofs can host many species. For a broader look at New Jersey wildlife, check out our [/wildlife/new-jersey] page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
When is the best time to see bees in New Jersey?+
You will most often see bees in areas with abundant flowers: suburban gardens, wildflower meadows, farms, and along woodland edges. State parks like the Pine Barrens and the Delaware Water Gap are good bets. Even city parks and green roofs can host many species. For a broader look at New Jersey wildlife, check out our [/wildlife/new-jersey] page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.