75 Types of Bees in Utah
Bees do show up in Utah, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
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
75 types of bees recorded in Utah
75 bee species have a verified observation record in Utah across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
3 of the 50 shown are recorded as introduced to Utah rather than native.
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Also recorded in Utah
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Morrison's Bumble BeeNativeBombus morrisoni | Bombus morrisoni | 304 |
| 14 | Indiscriminate Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus insularis | Bombus insularis | 290 |
| 15 | Tripartite Sweat BeeHalictus tripartitus | Halictus tripartitus | 266 |
| 16 | Bicolored Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon virescens | Agapostemon virescens | 246 |
| 17 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 209 |
| 18 | Red-belted Bumble BeeBombus rufocinctus | Bombus rufocinctus | 193 |
| 19 | Yellow-fronted Bumble BeeBombus flavifrons | Bombus flavifrons | 185 |
| 20 | Blue Orchard BeeOsmia lignaria | Osmia lignaria | 160 |
| 21 | Urbane Digger BeeAnthophora urbana | Anthophora urbana | 152 |
| 22 | Blueberry Mason beeOsmia ribifloris | Osmia ribifloris | 143 |
| 23 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 133 |
| 24 | Forest Bumble BeeBombus sylvicola | Bombus sylvicola | 115 |
| 25 | Green Small-MasonHoplitis fulgida | Hoplitis fulgida | 113 |
| 26 | Western Leafcutter BeeMegachile perihirta | Megachile perihirta | 99 |
| 27 | Bumblebee-like Digger BeeAnthophora bomboides | Anthophora bomboides | 79 |
| 28 | Colorado Black-notched Bumble BeeBombus bifarius | Bombus bifarius | 75 |
| 29 | Valley Carpenter BeeXylocopa sonorina | Xylocopa sonorina | 72 |
| 30 | Globe Mallow BeeDiadasia diminuta | Diadasia diminuta | 72 |
| 31 | Pruinose Squash BeeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 72 |
| 32 | Sonoran Bumble BeeBombus sonorus | Bombus sonorus | 68 |
| 33 | Wide-striped Sweat BeeHalictus farinosus | Halictus farinosus | 63 |
| 34 | Sunflower Chimney BeeDiadasia enavata | Diadasia enavata | 58 |
| 35 | Western Bumble BeeBombus occidentalis | Bombus occidentalis | 57 |
| 36 | Eight-toothed Cuckoo Leaf-cutter BeeCoelioxys octodentatus | Coelioxys octodentatus | 52 |
| 37 | Fine striped sweat beeAgapostemon subtilior | Agapostemon subtilior | 52 |
| 38 | Oblique Longhorn BeeEpimelissodes obliquus | Epimelissodes obliquus | 50 |
| 39 | Prunus Miner BeeAndrena prunorum | Andrena prunorum | 49 |
| 40 | Honey-tailed Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon melliventris | Agapostemon melliventris | 44 |
| 41 | Unarmed Leafcutter BeeMegachile inermis | Megachile inermis | 44 |
| 42 | Habropoda cinerariaHabropoda cineraria | Habropoda cineraria | 40 |
| 43 | Sunflower Mining BeeNativeAndrena helianthi | Andrena helianthi | 39 |
| 44 | Parallel Leafcutter BeeMegachile parallela | Megachile parallela | 39 |
| 45 | Orange-tipped WoodborerLithurgopsis apicalis | Lithurgopsis apicalis | 39 |
| 46 | Tansy Mustard Sweat BeeLasioglossum sisymbrii | Lasioglossum sisymbrii | 37 |
| 47 | Common Longhorn BeeMelissodes communis | Melissodes communis | 35 |
| 48 | Peridot Sweat BeeAugochlorella pomoniella | Augochlorella pomoniella | 34 |
| 49 | American Bumble BeeBombus pensylvanicus | Bombus pensylvanicus | 32 |
| 50 | Fuzzy-Horned Bumble BeeBombus mixtus | Bombus mixtus | 30 |
Plus 25 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 129 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.
Bees do show up in Utah, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out.
1. How many types of bees are found in Utah?
Utah boasts over 1,000 native bee species, making it one of the most bee-diverse states in the U.S. The most frequently encountered groups are honey bees (not native but widespread), bumble bees, leafcutter bees, mason bees, sweat bees, and mining bees. Many are solitary and nest in the ground or in wood cavities, so you can find them across nearly every habitat in the state.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. What are the most common bees in Utah you'll actually see?
The ones you'll most likely notice are **European honey bees** (managed in hives, also feral), **Bombus** bumble bees (large, fuzzy, often seen on flowers), and small **sweat bees** (Halictidae, metallic green or black). In the desert regions, **cactus bees** and **anthophora** are common on prickly pear and globemallow. The **Utah state insect is the European honey bee**, which is non-native but now integral to agriculture.
3. How can you identify different bee species by field marks?
Start with size and hair. Honey bees are medium (15 mm), golden-brown with faint abdominal bands. Bumble bees are larger, useful, and densely hairy with black and yellow (or orange) bands. Sweat bees are tiny (5-10 mm), often metallic green. Leafcutter bees are dark with a white band on the abdomen. Look at the pollen-carrying structures: honey bees have flat pollen baskets on hind legs; bumble bees have a concave corbicula; solitary bees carry pollen on scopa hairs under the abdomen.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. Where in the state do people usually notice bees first?
Start with your own garden or local park with flowering plants. In Northern Utah, Antelope Island State Park and the **Great Salt Lake shore** attract bees to salt-tolerant blooms. In Southern Utah, Zion National Park and the Colorado Plateau offer high bee diversity, especially in spring and summer. The **Wasatch Range** has many wildflower meadows from June to August. Foothills and canyons near Salt Lake City are also productive.
5. What is the best time of year for bee sightings in Utah?
The prime window is **April through September**. Early spring brings small solitary bees (e.g., mining bees) emerging with willow and dandelion blooms. Bumble bee queens appear in late March to April, and workers peak from June to August. Honey bee activity is highest when temperatures are above 60°F and flowers are abundant. In higher elevations (8,000+ ft), the season is shorter, ending by September.
6. How do you tell bees apart from wasps and other lookalikes?
Bees are generally useful, hairy, and have flat hind legs for pollen collection. Wasps are often smooth, narrow-waisted, and more aggressive. **Drone flies** (hoverflies) mimic honey bees but have a single pair of wings and no pollen baskets. **Cicada killer wasps** are huge (up to 2 inches) and have a yellow-banded abdomen. The key field mark is hair: if it's fuzzy and has pollen on its legs, it's a bee.
7. Gear up: Show your bee appreciation with bee-themed items
Once you've spent time spotting bees in Utah, you might want to bring that experience home. Check out these bee-themed products from Easy Street Markets.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
This fitted tee features a flying honey bee approaching a flower, a great reminder of the bees that help our ecosystem. Printed on a polyester blend, it's comfortable for wearing while out in the field.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A cap with an embroidered bee design that's perfect for sunny days in the field. Durable and adjustable.Check Price and Availability
Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee
A casual graphic tee with a playful bee message. Lightweight and soft.Check Price and Availability
Find more bee stickers and other wildlife apparel at ourstickers pageor explore ourbee 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 safe bee-watching tips?
Bees are generally not aggressive if left alone. Avoid swatting or disturbing nests. If you're near a hive or a ground nest, move calmly. Wear light-colored clothing (dark colors attract bees). In Utah, be aware of Africanized honey bees in southern areas: their colonies can be more defensive. Always keep a respectful distance and watch from a safe spot.
9. Frequently asked questions about bees in Utah
**Are there endangered bees in Utah?** Some native bumble bees like the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) have declined but are still found in remote areas. **Can I keep honey bees in my backyard in Utah?** Yes, but check local ordinances and register with the state. **What flowers attract the most bees in Utah?** Native plants like goldenrod, rabbitbrush, globemallow, and penstemon are top picks. **Do all bees sting?** Only females have stingers; many solitary bees are too small to sting effectively.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. How many types of bees are found in Utah?+
Utah boasts over 1,000 native bee species, making it one of the most bee-diverse states in the U.S. The most frequently encountered groups are honey bees (not native but widespread), bumble bees, leafcutter bees, mason bees, sweat bees, and mining bees. Many are solitary and nest in the ground or in wood cavities, so you can find them across nearly every habitat in the state. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
2. What are the most common bees in Utah you'll actually see?+
The ones you'll most likely notice are **European honey bees** (managed in hives, also feral), **Bombus** bumble bees (large, fuzzy, often seen on flowers), and small **sweat bees** (Halictidae, metallic green or black). In the desert regions, **cactus bees** and **anthophora** are common on prickly pear and globemallow. The **Utah state insect is the European honey bee**, which is non-native but now integral to agriculture.
3. How can you identify different bee species by field marks?+
Start with size and hair. Honey bees are medium (15 mm), golden-brown with faint abdominal bands. Bumble bees are larger, useful, and densely hairy with black and yellow (or orange) bands. Sweat bees are tiny (5-10 mm), often metallic green. Leafcutter bees are dark with a white band on the abdomen. Look at the pollen-carrying structures: honey bees have flat pollen baskets on hind legs; bumble bees have a concave corbicula; solitary bees carry pollen on scopa hairs under the abdomen. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. Where in the state do people usually notice bees first?+
Start with your own garden or local park with flowering plants. In Northern Utah, Antelope Island State Park and the **Great Salt Lake shore** attract bees to salt-tolerant blooms. In Southern Utah, Zion National Park and the Colorado Plateau offer high bee diversity, especially in spring and summer. The **Wasatch Range** has many wildflower meadows from June to August. Foothills and canyons near Salt Lake City are also productive.
5. What is the best time of year for bee sightings in Utah?+
The prime window is **April through September**. Early spring brings small solitary bees (e.g., mining bees) emerging with willow and dandelion blooms. Bumble bee queens appear in late March to April, and workers peak from June to August. Honey bee activity is highest when temperatures are above 60°F and flowers are abundant. In higher elevations (8,000+ ft), the season is shorter, ending by September.
6. How do you tell bees apart from wasps and other lookalikes?+
Bees are generally useful, hairy, and have flat hind legs for pollen collection. Wasps are often smooth, narrow-waisted, and more aggressive. **Drone flies** (hoverflies) mimic honey bees but have a single pair of wings and no pollen baskets. **Cicada killer wasps** are huge (up to 2 inches) and have a yellow-banded abdomen. The key field mark is hair: if it's fuzzy and has pollen on its legs, it's a bee.
8. What are some safe bee-watching tips?+
Bees are generally not aggressive if left alone. Avoid swatting or disturbing nests. If you're near a hive or a ground nest, move calmly. Wear light-colored clothing (dark colors attract bees). In Utah, be aware of Africanized honey bees in southern areas: their colonies can be more defensive. Always keep a respectful distance and watch from a safe spot.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Utah