150 Types of Bees in New York
Yes, New York hosts over 400 native bee species plus honey bees. Start your search in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges from early spring through fall. Focus on size, hairiness, and color patterns to separate the most common types. Check our [bee identification resources](/animals/bee) for more details.
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
150 types of bees recorded in New York
150 bee species have a verified observation record in New York 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 York rather than native.
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Also recorded in New York
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 892 |
| 14 | Two-spotted Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes bimaculatus | Melissodes bimaculatus | 817 |
| 15 | Sculptured Resin BeeIntroducedMegachile sculpturalis | Megachile sculpturalis | 784 |
| 16 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 678 |
| 17 | Lemon Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus citrinus | Bombus citrinus | 624 |
| 18 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 611 |
| 19 | Texas Leafcutter BeeMegachile texana | Megachile texana | 549 |
| 20 | Dark-veined Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes trinodis | Melissodes trinodis | 460 |
| 21 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 415 |
| 22 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 395 |
| 23 | Silky Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon sericeus | Agapostemon sericeus | 350 |
| 24 | Half-black Bumble BeeBombus vagans | Bombus vagans | 343 |
| 25 | Pugnacious Leafcutter BeeNativeMegachile pugnata | Megachile pugnata | 323 |
| 26 | Rufous-backed Cellophane BeeColletes thoracicus | Colletes thoracicus | 306 |
| 27 | Oblong Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium oblongatum | Anthidium oblongatum | 303 |
| 28 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 301 |
| 29 | Yellow-banded Bumble BeeNativeBombus terricola | Bombus terricola | 289 |
| 30 | Wilke's Mining BeeIntroducedAndrena wilkella | Andrena wilkella | 286 |
| 31 | Neighborly Mining BeeAndrena vicina | Andrena vicina | 279 |
| 32 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 275 |
| 33 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 267 |
| 34 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 259 |
| 35 | Black-and-yellow Nomad BeeNomada luteoloides | Nomada luteoloides | 253 |
| 36 | Eight-toothed Cuckoo Leaf-cutter BeeCoelioxys octodentatus | Coelioxys octodentatus | 236 |
| 37 | Northern Amber Bumble BeeNativeBombus borealis | Bombus borealis | 229 |
| 38 | Eastern Thistle Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes desponsus | Melissodes desponsus | 204 |
| 39 | Hibiscus Turret BeeNativePtilothrix bombiformis | Ptilothrix bombiformis | 185 |
| 40 | Orange-tipped Wood-diggerAnthophora terminalis | Anthophora terminalis | 183 |
| 41 | Hawthorn Mining BeeNativeAndrena crataegi | Andrena crataegi | 178 |
| 42 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 170 |
| 43 | Drury's Long-horned BeeNativeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 164 |
| 44 | Denticulate Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes denticulatus | Melissodes denticulatus | 156 |
| 45 | Milwaukee Mining BeeNativeAndrena milwaukeensis | Andrena milwaukeensis | 155 |
| 46 | Slender-faced Masked BeeIntroducedHylaeus leptocephalus | Hylaeus leptocephalus | 153 |
| 47 | Black-and-gold Bumble BeeBombus auricomus | Bombus auricomus | 150 |
| 48 | Pruinose Squash BeeNativeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 147 |
| 49 | broad-handed leafcutter beeNativeMegachile latimanus | Megachile latimanus | 140 |
| 50 | Miserable Mining BeeAndrena miserabilis | Andrena miserabilis | 138 |
Plus 100 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 147 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.
Yes, New York hosts over 400 native bee species plus honey bees. Start your search in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges from early spring through fall. Focus on size, hairiness, and color patterns to separate the most common types. Check ourbee identification resourcesfor more details.
1. What are the most useful ID markers for bees in New York?
Focus on body size, hairiness, and color. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bands. Honey bees are medium with golden brown and black stripes. Carpenter bees are large, shiny, and black with a bare abdomen. Look for pollen baskets on hind legs. Many lookalikes include flies and wasps; check wing count and eye shape. Learn more aboutNew York bee species.
In New York, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. Where in New York do people usually notice bees first?
Most sightings happen in suburban gardens, city parks, and farmland. Early spring, watch for queen bumble bees searching for nest sites near old rodent burrows or compost piles. Honey bees are common near apiaries or flowering trees. In late summer, goldenrod and aster patches in fields and roadsides attract many species. See ourNew York wildlife pagefor other animals.
3. What is the best season for confident bee sightings in New York?
Late spring through early fall. The peak is June to August when many flowers bloom. Early spring (March-April) is good for queen bumble bees and mining bees. Fall (September-October) sees the last active workers and drones. Cold weather halts activity; wait for warm sunny days. Visit ourNew York state wildlife hubfor seasonal tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What are the most common bee types in New York?
The most frequently encountered are honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica), and mining bees (Andrena spp.). Sweat bees (Halictidae) are small and metallic, often seen on flowers. Leafcutter bees are also common. Many share similar patterns, so focus on the ID markers from section 1.
5. How can I tell bees apart from their lookalikes?
Flies have only one pair of wings, bees have two pairs. Wasps have narrow waists and less hair, bees are typically hairier and more useful. Hoverflies mimic bees but have large eyes and erratic flight. Use a field guide or check ourbee identification resources. Browse ourwildlife stickersto show your support.
6. What plants attract bees in New York?
Native wildflowers like milkweed, goldenrod, aster, and clover are top choices. Garden favorites include lavender, sunflowers, and bee balm. Planting a variety ensures bloom from spring to fall. Avoid pesticides. For more on New York wildlife habitats, see ourNew York wildlife page.
7. Where can I find bee themed gear to show my support?
If you want to celebrate the bees you spot, check out these items:
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
A comfortable tee with a vibrant bee design. Great for wearing on bee walks.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz
A detailed design for a laser engraved tumbler, perfect for custom crafts.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A stylish cap with embroidered bee detail. Great for outdoor adventures.Check Price and Availability
8. Frequently Asked Questions about bees in New York
**Are there honey bees in New York?** Yes, many beekeepers keep them, and feral colonies exist. **Do carpenter bees damage wood?** They can drill holes in untreated wood, but usually not structural. **When do bees hibernate?** Only queens survive winter, hiding in soil or cavities. **What is the best way to identify a bee?** Use size, hair, and color patterns; a field guide helps. **Can I attract bees to my garden?** Plant native flowers and provide a water source.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What types of bees live in New York?+
Focus on body size, hairiness, and color. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bands. Honey bees are medium with golden brown and black stripes. Carpenter bees are large, shiny, and black with a bare abdomen. Look for pollen baskets on hind legs. Many lookalikes include flies and wasps; check wing count and eye shape. Learn more aboutNew York bee species. In New York, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How do you tell bees apart in New York?+
Focus on body size, hairiness, and color. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bands. Honey bees are medium with golden brown and black stripes. Carpenter bees are large, shiny, and black with a bare abdomen. Look for pollen baskets on hind legs. Many lookalikes include flies and wasps; check wing count and eye shape. Learn more aboutNew York bee species. In New York, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Which bee is most common in New York?+
Focus on body size, hairiness, and color. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with black and yellow bands. Honey bees are medium with golden brown and black stripes. Carpenter bees are large, shiny, and black with a bare abdomen. Look for pollen baskets on hind legs. Many lookalikes include flies and wasps; check wing count and eye shape. Learn more aboutNew York bee species. In New York, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Keep exploring
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