103 Types of Bees in Tennessee
Yes, Tennessee hosts a diverse range of native bees, including bumblebees, sweat bees, carpenter bees, and honey bees. Start your search in open meadows, along forest edges, and near flowering gardens. Late spring through early fall offers the highest activity for observing and identifying different species.
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
103 types of bees recorded in Tennessee
103 bee species have a verified observation record in Tennessee 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 Tennessee rather than native.
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Also recorded in Tennessee
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 224 |
| 14 | Black-and-gold Bumble BeeBombus auricomus | Bombus auricomus | 220 |
| 15 | Taurus Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia taurus | Osmia taurus | 173 |
| 16 | Hibiscus Turret BeeNativePtilothrix bombiformis | Ptilothrix bombiformis | 169 |
| 17 | Abrupt Digger BeeAnthophora abrupta | Anthophora abrupta | 147 |
| 18 | Oblique Longhorn BeeNativeEpimelissodes obliquus | Epimelissodes obliquus | 141 |
| 19 | Dark-winged Sweat BeeLasioglossum fuscipenne | Lasioglossum fuscipenne | 131 |
| 20 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 130 |
| 21 | Denticulate Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes denticulatus | Melissodes denticulatus | 122 |
| 22 | Spring Beauty MinerNativeAndrena erigeniae | Andrena erigeniae | 110 |
| 23 | Southern Plains Bumble BeeBombus fraternus | Bombus fraternus | 110 |
| 24 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 95 |
| 25 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 89 |
| 26 | Parallel-striped Sweat BeeHalictus parallelus | Halictus parallelus | 84 |
| 27 | Louisiana Painted-Dark beeStelis louisae | Stelis louisae | 84 |
| 28 | Lemon Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus citrinus | Bombus citrinus | 71 |
| 29 | Morning Glory Turret BeeNativeMelitoma taurea | Melitoma taurea | 63 |
| 30 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 62 |
| 31 | Bristle Sweat BeeLasioglossum imitatum | Lasioglossum imitatum | 61 |
| 32 | Pruinose Squash BeeNativeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 61 |
| 33 | Drury's Long-horned BeeNativeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 60 |
| 34 | Eastern Thistle Longhorn BeeMelissodes desponsus | Melissodes desponsus | 58 |
| 35 | Rufous-backed Cellophane BeeColletes thoracicus | Colletes thoracicus | 57 |
| 36 | Perplexing Bumble BeeBombus perplexus | Bombus perplexus | 56 |
| 37 | Black-and-yellow Nomad BeeNomada luteoloides | Nomada luteoloides | 56 |
| 38 | Petulant Leafcutter BeeMegachile petulans | Megachile petulans | 55 |
| 39 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 52 |
| 40 | Sunflower Burrowing-Resin beeNativeParanthidium jugatorium | Paranthidium jugatorium | 51 |
| 41 | Nimble CeratinaCeratina strenua | Ceratina strenua | 49 |
| 42 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 48 |
| 43 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 47 |
| 44 | Blue Orchard BeeOsmia lignaria | Osmia lignaria | 44 |
| 45 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 44 |
| 46 | Barbara's Mining BeeAndrena barbara | Andrena barbara | 42 |
| 47 | Zephyr Sweat BeeLasioglossum zephyrus | Lasioglossum zephyrus | 42 |
| 48 | Georgia Mason BeeOsmia georgica | Osmia georgica | 41 |
| 49 | Blueberry Digger BeeNativeHabropoda laboriosa | Habropoda laboriosa | 38 |
| 50 | Violet MinerNativeAndrena violae | Andrena violae | 38 |
Plus 53 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 173 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, Tennessee hosts a diverse range of native bees, including bumblebees, sweat bees, carpenter bees, and honey bees. Start your search in open meadows, along forest edges, and near flowering gardens. Late spring through early fall offers the highest activity for observing and identifying different species.
How many types of bees are found in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to over 400 species of native bees, plus the introduced European honey bee. Most are solitary ground-nesters or cavity-nesters. Key groups include bumblebees (Bombus), sweat bees (Halictidae), leafcutter bees (Megachilidae), and carpenter bees (Xylocopa). Honey bees are common in managed apiaries and feral colonies.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
What are the most useful field markers to identify a bee?
Start with size, body hairiness, and color patterns. Bumblebees are large, fuzzy, and often black-and-yellow. Carpenter bees are large and shiny with a black abdomen. Sweat bees are small, metallic green or bronze. Look at the shape of the face and antennae. Also note the pollen-carrying structures: honey bees carry on hind legs (corbicula), while most natives carry on scopa (hairs on the body).
See ourBees guidefor the next step.
Where in Tennessee are you most likely to see different bee species?
The best spots include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Mississippi River floodplain. Open fields, prairies, and gardens in Middle Tennessee (Nashville area) host many species. Urban gardens and parks also attract a variety. Coffee County and the Lookout Mountain area have notable native bee diversity. For more on Tennessee wildlife, see our Tennessee wildlife hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season to see bees in Tennessee?
Early spring (March) through late fall (October) covers the main activity. Some bumblebee queens emerge in February on warm days. Peak diversity occurs from late April through August. To maximize sightings, visit native wildflower patches on sunny, calm mornings (70-80°F).
How do you tell a honey bee apart from a native bee?
Honey bees are medium-sized (about 15-18 mm), with a slender body, golden-brown banded abdomen, and less hair than bumblebees. They fly in a straight line and often visit many flowers in a row. Native bees, like the carpenter bee, have a thicker body and a fast, darting flight. Bumblebees are noticeably fatter and buzz loudly. Lookalikes include small wasps: bees have plumose (feathery) hairs, while wasps are smooth.
What are common lookalikes for bees found in Tennessee?
Many hoverflies (Syrphidae) mimic bees but have only one pair of wings, short antennae, and they hover in place. Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees but have a shiny black abdomen and less hair. Mining bees (Andrena) look like small honey bees but usually have longer tongues and fly earlier in spring. For more insect identification, visit our bee identification page.
How can you attract and observe bees safely in your yard?
Plant native flowers like purple coneflower, bee balm, aster, and goldenrod. Provide a shallow water source with pebbles. Avoid pesticides. For close observation, use a hand lens and keep still. Bumblebees are docile and rarely sting. Honey bees may sting if provoked. Start with a garden bench near bloom clusters and watch for pollen collection behavior.
Are there any rare or endangered bees in Tennessee?
Yes, the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) is federally endangered and historically found in Tennessee. It has a small rust-colored patch on the second abdominal segment. It's now very rare; focus on grasslands with native wildflowers. Other at-risk species include the American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) and several specialist bees that depend on specific host plants.
What products can help you celebrate or support bees?
After your bee observations, show your support with bee-themed gear from Easy Street Markets. The Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt features a beautiful design, printed on a soft polyester tee. For a daily reminder, the Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap makes a subtle statement. And the Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee is a great casual choice. Check out our wildlife stickers for more.
See ourShop wildlife stickersfor the next step.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
The noble honey bee flying up to a flower will help remind you how valuable they are to our ecosystem. Protect THE Bees! This exclusive Animal World design is printed on a polyester, fitted, crew neck, short sleeve t-shirt. The dye sublimatCheck Price and Availability
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
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many types of bees are found in Tennessee?+
Tennessee is home to over 400 species of native bees, plus the introduced European honey bee. Most are solitary ground-nesters or cavity-nesters. Key groups include bumblebees (Bombus), sweat bees (Halictidae), leafcutter bees (Megachilidae), and carpenter bees (Xylocopa). Honey bees are common in managed apiaries and feral colonies. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
What are the most useful field markers to identify a bee?+
Start with size, body hairiness, and color patterns. Bumblebees are large, fuzzy, and often black-and-yellow. Carpenter bees are large and shiny with a black abdomen. Sweat bees are small, metallic green or bronze. Look at the shape of the face and antennae. Also note the pollen-carrying structures: honey bees carry on hind legs (corbicula), while most natives carry on scopa (hairs on the body). See ourBees guidefor the next step.
Where in Tennessee are you most likely to see different bee species?+
The best spots include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Mississippi River floodplain. Open fields, prairies, and gardens in Middle Tennessee (Nashville area) host many species. Urban gardens and parks also attract a variety. Coffee County and the Lookout Mountain area have notable native bee diversity. For more on Tennessee wildlife, see our Tennessee wildlife hub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season to see bees in Tennessee?+
Early spring (March) through late fall (October) covers the main activity. Some bumblebee queens emerge in February on warm days. Peak diversity occurs from late April through August. To maximize sightings, visit native wildflower patches on sunny, calm mornings (70-80°F).
How do you tell a honey bee apart from a native bee?+
Honey bees are medium-sized (about 15-18 mm), with a slender body, golden-brown banded abdomen, and less hair than bumblebees. They fly in a straight line and often visit many flowers in a row. Native bees, like the carpenter bee, have a thicker body and a fast, darting flight. Bumblebees are noticeably fatter and buzz loudly. Lookalikes include small wasps: bees have plumose (feathery) hairs, while wasps are smooth.
What are common lookalikes for bees found in Tennessee?+
Many hoverflies (Syrphidae) mimic bees but have only one pair of wings, short antennae, and they hover in place. Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees but have a shiny black abdomen and less hair. Mining bees (Andrena) look like small honey bees but usually have longer tongues and fly earlier in spring. For more insect identification, visit our bee identification page.
How can you attract and observe bees safely in your yard?+
Plant native flowers like purple coneflower, bee balm, aster, and goldenrod. Provide a shallow water source with pebbles. Avoid pesticides. For close observation, use a hand lens and keep still. Bumblebees are docile and rarely sting. Honey bees may sting if provoked. Start with a garden bench near bloom clusters and watch for pollen collection behavior.
Are there any rare or endangered bees in Tennessee?+
Yes, the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) is federally endangered and historically found in Tennessee. It has a small rust-colored patch on the second abdominal segment. It's now very rare; focus on grasslands with native wildflowers. Other at-risk species include the American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) and several specialist bees that depend on specific host plants.
What products can help you celebrate or support bees?+
After your bee observations, show your support with bee-themed gear from Easy Street Markets. The Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt features a beautiful design, printed on a soft polyester tee. For a daily reminder, the Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap makes a subtle statement. And the Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee is a great casual choice. Check out our wildlife stickers for more. See ourShop wildlife stickersfor the next step. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step. ### Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt The noble honey bee flying up to a flower will help remind you how valuable they are to our ecosystem. Protect THE Bees! This exclusive Animal World design is printed on a polyester, fitted, crew neck, short sleeve t-shirt. The dye sublimatCheck Price and Availability ### 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 ### Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
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