131 Types of Bees in Vermont
Vermont is home to over 250 bee species, including honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary mining bees. To identify them, focus on body size, hair patterns, and where they nest. Start in sunny meadows and gardens from April through September for the best chances of spotting a variety of bees.
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
131 types of bees recorded in Vermont
131 bee species have a verified observation record in Vermont across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
6 of the 50 shown are recorded as introduced to Vermont rather than native.
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Also recorded in Vermont
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 649 |
| 14 | Half-black Bumble BeeBombus vagans | Bombus vagans | 571 |
| 15 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 565 |
| 16 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 352 |
| 17 | Wilke's Mining BeeIntroducedAndrena wilkella | Andrena wilkella | 346 |
| 18 | Hawthorn Mining BeeAndrena crataegi | Andrena crataegi | 333 |
| 19 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 310 |
| 20 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 303 |
| 21 | Orange-tipped Wood-diggerAnthophora terminalis | Anthophora terminalis | 287 |
| 22 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 274 |
| 23 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 241 |
| 24 | Frigid Mining BeeAndrena frigida | Andrena frigida | 215 |
| 25 | Lemon Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus citrinus | Bombus citrinus | 205 |
| 26 | Milwaukee Mining BeeAndrena milwaukeensis | Andrena milwaukeensis | 202 |
| 27 | Mock-orange Scissor BeeChelostoma philadelphi | Chelostoma philadelphi | 198 |
| 28 | Golden Northern Bumble BeeBombus fervidus | Bombus fervidus | 194 |
| 29 | Bufflehead Mason BeeOsmia bucephala | Osmia bucephala | 167 |
| 30 | Pruinose Squash BeeNativeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 159 |
| 31 | Hairy-banded Mining BeeNativeAndrena hirticincta | Andrena hirticincta | 155 |
| 32 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 152 |
| 33 | Sunflower Mining BeeAndrena helianthi | Andrena helianthi | 152 |
| 34 | Neighborly Mining BeeAndrena vicina | Andrena vicina | 150 |
| 35 | Northeastern Sweat BeeAugochloropsis viridula | Augochloropsis viridula | 137 |
| 36 | Oblong Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium oblongatum | Anthidium oblongatum | 132 |
| 37 | Red-belted Bumble BeeBombus rufocinctus | Bombus rufocinctus | 128 |
| 38 | Drury's Long-horned BeeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 120 |
| 39 | Clark's Mining BeeNativeAndrena clarkella | Andrena clarkella | 118 |
| 40 | Unarmed Leafcutter BeeMegachile inermis | Megachile inermis | 118 |
| 41 | Brown-fovea MinerAndrena rufosignata | Andrena rufosignata | 111 |
| 42 | Silky Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon sericeus | Agapostemon sericeus | 110 |
| 43 | Nason's Mining BeeAndrena nasonii | Andrena nasonii | 110 |
| 44 | broad-handed leafcutter beeMegachile latimanus | Megachile latimanus | 108 |
| 45 | Golden-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile relativa | Megachile relativa | 104 |
| 46 | Eastern Thistle Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes desponsus | Melissodes desponsus | 97 |
| 47 | White-banded Sweat BeeLasioglossum leucozonium | Lasioglossum leucozonium | 96 |
| 48 | Dark-veined Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes trinodis | Melissodes trinodis | 90 |
| 49 | Red-tailed Mining BeeAndrena erythrogaster | Andrena erythrogaster | 89 |
| 50 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 88 |
Plus 81 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 115 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.
Vermont is home to over 250 bee species, including honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary mining bees. To identify them, focus on body size, hair patterns, and where they nest. Start in sunny meadows and gardens from April through September for the best chances of spotting a variety of bees.
1. What are the main types of bees found in Vermont?
The most common bee groups in Vermont are honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), and solitary bees such as mining bees (Andrena) and leafcutter bees (Megachile). Honey bees are smaller with amber and black stripes and live in large colonies. Bumble bees are useful, fuzzy, and often black with yellow or orange bands. Solitary bees vary widely, but many are dark with light hair bands on their abdomen and nest in the ground or wood.
2. Where in Vermont can you most commonly spot bees?
Bees are most frequently seen in open, sunny areas with abundant flowers. Good starting points include the meadows of the Champlain Valley, group gardens in Burlington, and the wildflower trails in the Green Mountain National Forest. Suburban yards with native plants like goldenrod and asters also attract high numbers. For a more focused search, visit theVermont wildlife sectionfor location tips.
3. What time of year are bees most active in Vermont?
Bee activity in Vermont peaks from late April through early September. Early spring brings queen bumble bees and mining bees, while honey bee colonies expand rapidly in June. Late summer offers the highest diversity as goldenrod blooms. Check ourbee identification hubfor seasonal guides on when each species is most likely to appear.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How do you identify a honey bee compared to a bumble bee?
Honey bees are slender, about 1/2 inch long, with a smooth abdomen and amber and dark brown bands. Bumble bees are thicker, more than 3/4 inch, with a fuzzy coat of black and yellow (or orange) hair. Look at the hind legs: honey bees carry pollen in compact baskets, while bumble bees carry it in messy clumps. If you see a bee with a narrow waist that hovers before landing, it is likely a honey bee.
5. What field marks separate common Vermont bumble bee species?
The eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) has a yellow thoracic collar and black abdomen with a white tail. The common eastern bumble bee is the most widespread. The yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus) is mostly yellow with a black band between the wings. The black and gold bumble bee (Bombus auricomus) has a black head, yellow thorax, and black abdomen with white tip. Use binoculars for safe close looks.
6. Are there rare or threatened bee species in Vermont?
Yes, the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) was once common but is now federally endangered. It has a rusty red patch on its back. Other at risk species include the yellow bumble bee and the American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus). If you think you have seen one, photograph it and report to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Avoid disturbing any nesting sites.
7. What are the best ways to observe bees safely?
Stay still and avoid sudden movements. Use a camera with a zoom lens or macro mode. Wear light colored clothing and avoid perfumes. Sit near a patch of flowers during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm). Never approach hives or wooden structures with heavy bee traffic. For more tips, explore ourbee observation resources.
9. What bee themed products from Easy Street Markets can help show your support?
After a day of bee watching, consider bringing home a reminder of Vermont's pollinators. The **Honey Bee in Flight Women's T Shirt** features a detailed honey bee graphic on a fitted tee perfect for outdoor fans.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
This polyester shirt shows a honey bee mid flight approaching a flower, reminding you of the vital role bees play. It is fitted with a crew neck and short sleeves.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz Laser Engraved Honeycomb Tumbler Wrap
A 20 oz tumbler design with laser engraved honeycomb and floral patterns. Great for customizing your own mug at home.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A baseball cap with embroidered bee design, adjustable back, and curved brim. Comfortable for field work or everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Explore morebee stickersto add to your collection.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the main types of bees found in Vermont?+
The most common bee groups in Vermont are honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus spp.), and solitary bees such as mining bees (Andrena) and leafcutter bees (Megachile). Honey bees are smaller with amber and black stripes and live in large colonies. Bumble bees are useful, fuzzy, and often black with yellow or orange bands. Solitary bees vary widely, but many are dark with light hair bands on their abdomen and nest in the ground or wood.
2. Where in Vermont can you most commonly spot bees?+
Bees are most frequently seen in open, sunny areas with abundant flowers. Good starting points include the meadows of the Champlain Valley, group gardens in Burlington, and the wildflower trails in the Green Mountain National Forest. Suburban yards with native plants like goldenrod and asters also attract high numbers. For a more focused search, visit theVermont wildlife sectionfor location tips.
3. What time of year are bees most active in Vermont?+
Bee activity in Vermont peaks from late April through early September. Early spring brings queen bumble bees and mining bees, while honey bee colonies expand rapidly in June. Late summer offers the highest diversity as goldenrod blooms. Check ourbee identification hubfor seasonal guides on when each species is most likely to appear. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How do you identify a honey bee compared to a bumble bee?+
Honey bees are slender, about 1/2 inch long, with a smooth abdomen and amber and dark brown bands. Bumble bees are thicker, more than 3/4 inch, with a fuzzy coat of black and yellow (or orange) hair. Look at the hind legs: honey bees carry pollen in compact baskets, while bumble bees carry it in messy clumps. If you see a bee with a narrow waist that hovers before landing, it is likely a honey bee.
5. What field marks separate common Vermont bumble bee species?+
The eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) has a yellow thoracic collar and black abdomen with a white tail. The common eastern bumble bee is the most widespread. The yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus) is mostly yellow with a black band between the wings. The black and gold bumble bee (Bombus auricomus) has a black head, yellow thorax, and black abdomen with white tip. Use binoculars for safe close looks.
6. Are there rare or threatened bee species in Vermont?+
Yes, the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) was once common but is now federally endangered. It has a rusty red patch on its back. Other at risk species include the yellow bumble bee and the American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus). If you think you have seen one, photograph it and report to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Avoid disturbing any nesting sites.
7. What are the best ways to observe bees safely?+
Stay still and avoid sudden movements. Use a camera with a zoom lens or macro mode. Wear light colored clothing and avoid perfumes. Sit near a patch of flowers during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm). Never approach hives or wooden structures with heavy bee traffic. For more tips, explore ourbee observation resources.
9. What bee themed products from Easy Street Markets can help show your support?+
After a day of bee watching, consider bringing home a reminder of Vermont's pollinators. The **Honey Bee in Flight Women's T Shirt** features a detailed honey bee graphic on a fitted tee perfect for outdoor fans. ### Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt This polyester shirt shows a honey bee mid flight approaching a flower, reminding you of the vital role bees play. It is fitted with a crew neck and short sleeves.Check Price and Availability ### Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz Laser Engraved Honeycomb Tumbler Wrap A 20 oz tumbler design with laser engraved honeycomb and floral patterns. Great for customizing your own mug at home.Check Price and Availability ### Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap A baseball cap with embroidered bee design, adjustable back, and curved brim. Comfortable for field work or everyday wear.Check Price and Availability Explore morebee stickersto add to your collection. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Vermont