122 Types of Bees in Washington
Yes, Washington is home to over 600 species of bees, making it a critical state for bee diversity in the Pacific Northwest. These industrious insects are essential for pollinating Washington's world-famous orchards and natural landscapes. This guide covers the common kinds of bees you will encounter from the Puget Sound to the eastern plains.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- May, June, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
122 types of bees recorded in Washington
122 bee species have a verified observation record in Washington 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 Washington rather than native.
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Also recorded in Washington
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Blue Orchard BeeOsmia lignaria | Osmia lignaria | 767 |
| 14 | Prunus Miner BeeAndrena prunorum | Andrena prunorum | 758 |
| 15 | Fine striped sweat beeAgapostemon subtilior | Agapostemon subtilior | 754 |
| 16 | Brown-belted Bumble BeeBombus griseocollis | Bombus griseocollis | 670 |
| 17 | Nevada Bumble BeeBombus nevadensis | Bombus nevadensis | 636 |
| 18 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 607 |
| 19 | Yellowish Cuckoo Bumble beeBombus flavidus | Bombus flavidus | 532 |
| 20 | Ligated Furrow BeeHalictus ligatus | Halictus ligatus | 496 |
| 21 | Small Long-horned BeeMelissodes microstictus | Melissodes microstictus | 436 |
| 22 | Bicolored Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon virescens | Agapostemon virescens | 408 |
| 23 | Pacific Digger BeeAnthophora pacifica | Anthophora pacifica | 401 |
| 24 | Red-belted Bumble BeeNativeBombus rufocinctus | Bombus rufocinctus | 353 |
| 25 | Great Basin Bumble BeeBombus centralis | Bombus centralis | 318 |
| 26 | Western Bumble BeeBombus occidentalis | Bombus occidentalis | 314 |
| 27 | Indiscriminate Cuckoo Bumble BeeBombus insularis | Bombus insularis | 243 |
| 28 | Van Dyke's Bumble BeeBombus vandykei | Bombus vandykei | 225 |
| 29 | Half-black Bumble BeeBombus vagans | Bombus vagans | 201 |
| 30 | Ceratina acanthaCeratina acantha | Ceratina acantha | 201 |
| 31 | Golden Northern Bumble BeeBombus fervidus | Bombus fervidus | 194 |
| 32 | White-shouldered Bumble BeeNativeBombus appositus | Bombus appositus | 194 |
| 33 | Wide-striped Sweat BeeHalictus farinosus | Halictus farinosus | 193 |
| 34 | Tripartite Sweat BeeHalictus tripartitus | Halictus tripartitus | 159 |
| 35 | Urbane Digger BeeAnthophora urbana | Anthophora urbana | 150 |
| 36 | Common Eastern Bumble BeeIntroducedBombus impatiens | Bombus impatiens | 134 |
| 37 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 134 |
| 38 | Black-and-gray Leafcutter BeeMegachile melanophaea | Megachile melanophaea | 134 |
| 39 | Bumblebee-like Digger BeeAnthophora bomboides | Anthophora bomboides | 127 |
| 40 | Oval-headed Sweat BeeLasioglossum ovaliceps | Lasioglossum ovaliceps | 127 |
| 41 | Pacific Dune-diggerHabropoda miserabilis | Habropoda miserabilis | 123 |
| 42 | Globe Mallow BeeDiadasia diminuta | Diadasia diminuta | 112 |
| 43 | Red-footed Cuckoo LeafcutterCoelioxys rufitarsis | Coelioxys rufitarsis | 104 |
| 44 | Megachile angelarumMegachile angelarum | Megachile angelarum | 103 |
| 45 | Horn-faced Leafcutter BeeMegachile fidelis | Megachile fidelis | 103 |
| 46 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 100 |
| 47 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 93 |
| 48 | Habropoda cinerariaHabropoda cineraria | Habropoda cineraria | 85 |
| 49 | Tansy Mustard Sweat BeeLasioglossum sisymbrii | Lasioglossum sisymbrii | 77 |
| 50 | Colorado MasonOsmia coloradensis | Osmia coloradensis | 69 |
Plus 72 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 227 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
82,015 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Washington, most often in May, June, July.
When bee are recorded in Washington
Yes, Washington is home to over 600 species of bees, making it a critical state for bee diversity in the Pacific Northwest. These industrious insects are essential for pollinating Washington's world-famous orchards and natural landscapes. This guide covers the common kinds of bees you will encounter from the Puget Sound to the eastern plains.
What are the most common bee species in Washington?
The common eastern bumble bee is one of the most frequently seen species in Washington's gardens. Honey bees are also widespread and are critical for the state's agriculture. Other common types include the western bumble bee, various sweat bees, and the mason bee, which is an excellent early-season pollinator.
Where are the best places for bee watching in Washington?
Botanical gardens like the Bellevue Botanical Garden and the Washington Park Arboretum offer incredible viewing opportunities. State parks with wildflower meadows, such as Mount Rainier and Olympic, are also prime habitats. Even a well-planted backyard can attract a wide variety of local bees. Check ourWashington wildlife guidefor more ideas.
How can you identify different bee types in Washington?
Size and color patterns are the best clues. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with yellow and black bands. Carpenter bees look like bumble bees but have a shiny black abdomen. Sweat bees are often small and can have a brilliant metallic green color. Mason bees are typically dark blue or black and are often seen near their nesting tubes. For more identification tips, see ourbee identification guide.
What is the importance of bees to Washington's agriculture?
Bees are essential for pollinating many of Washington's most important crops, including apples, cherries, and berries. They are also vital for the health of native wildflowers and trees. Without the work of bees, many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy would be far less abundant and more expensive to produce.
Bee-themed gifts for garden enthusiasts
If you love the buzz of bees in your yard, you might enjoy these themed items for your home or as a gift.
Mason Bee Nesting House []() A great way to support local pollinators in Washington. This nesting house provides a safe home for gentle mason bees. Check Price and Availability
When is the peak season for bees in Washington?
Late spring and summer are the peak times for bee activity in Washington, as this is when the most flowers are in bloom. Some species like mason bees emerge early in April, while others like bumble bees are active through the fall. Warm, sunny days with little wind are the best for observing their busy work.
Are bees in Washington in danger?
Many bee species are facing challenges due to habitat loss and pesticide use. The western bumble bee, once common in Washington, has seen a significant decline in its population. Supporting native plants and creating bee-friendly habitats in your yard are excellent ways to help Washington's bees thrive and continue their important work.
How can I identify a leafcutter bee in Washington?
Leafcutter bees are medium-sized and are often seen carrying pieces of leaves back to their nests. They cut neat, circular holes in the leaves of plants like roses and lilacs. They are gentle bees and are among the most efficient pollinators in Washington's gardens and natural areas.
What should I do if I find a honey bee swarm in Washington?
If you see a swarm of honey bees, do not panic. Swarming is a natural process and the bees are generally very peaceful at this time. Contact a local beekeeper or the Washington State Beekeepers Association, and they will likely be happy to collect the swarm and move it to a safe, managed hive.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common bee species in Washington?+
The common eastern bumble bee is one of the most frequently seen species in Washington's gardens. Honey bees are also widespread and are critical for the state's agriculture. Other common types include the western bumble bee, various sweat bees, and the mason bee, which is an excellent early-season pollinator.
Where are the best places for bee watching in Washington?+
Botanical gardens like the Bellevue Botanical Garden and the Washington Park Arboretum offer incredible viewing opportunities. State parks with wildflower meadows, such as Mount Rainier and Olympic, are also prime habitats. Even a well-planted backyard can attract a wide variety of local bees. Check ourWashington wildlife guidefor more ideas.
How can you identify different bee types in Washington?+
Size and color patterns are the best clues. Bumble bees are large and fuzzy with yellow and black bands. Carpenter bees look like bumble bees but have a shiny black abdomen. Sweat bees are often small and can have a brilliant metallic green color. Mason bees are typically dark blue or black and are often seen near their nesting tubes. For more identification tips, see ourbee identification guide.
What is the importance of bees to Washington's agriculture?+
Bees are essential for pollinating many of Washington's most important crops, including apples, cherries, and berries. They are also vital for the health of native wildflowers and trees. Without the work of bees, many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy would be far less abundant and more expensive to produce.
When is the peak season for bees in Washington?+
Late spring and summer are the peak times for bee activity in Washington, as this is when the most flowers are in bloom. Some species like mason bees emerge early in April, while others like bumble bees are active through the fall. Warm, sunny days with little wind are the best for observing their busy work.
Are bees in Washington in danger?+
Many bee species are facing challenges due to habitat loss and pesticide use. The western bumble bee, once common in Washington, has seen a significant decline in its population. Supporting native plants and creating bee-friendly habitats in your yard are excellent ways to help Washington's bees thrive and continue their important work.
How can I identify a leafcutter bee in Washington?+
Leafcutter bees are medium-sized and are often seen carrying pieces of leaves back to their nests. They cut neat, circular holes in the leaves of plants like roses and lilacs. They are gentle bees and are among the most efficient pollinators in Washington's gardens and natural areas.
What should I do if I find a honey bee swarm in Washington?+
If you see a swarm of honey bees, do not panic. Swarming is a natural process and the bees are generally very peaceful at this time. Contact a local beekeeper or the Washington State Beekeepers Association, and they will likely be happy to collect the swarm and move it to a safe, managed hive.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Washington