Bees in West Virginia: identification guide and best places to start
Yes, bees are found throughout West Virginia. From the state's forests to backyard gardens, you can spot dozens of species. Start looking in sunny patches with wildflowers from spring through fall. The best places include the Monongahela National Forest and your own pollinator patch.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Golden Northern Bumble Bee · B Kahly CC BY
Western Honey Bee · Matthew Gerke CC BY
Western Honey Bee · Matthew Gerke CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 0
- GBIF records
- August, April, July
- peak months
Bees aren't established in West Virginia, so you might be wondering:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
41 types of bees recorded in West Virginia
41 bee species have a verified observation record in West Virginia across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
5 of the 41 shown are recorded as introduced to West Virginia rather than native.
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Also recorded in West Virginia
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Bicolored Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon virescens | Agapostemon virescens | 72 |
| 14 | Golden Northern Bumble BeeBombus fervidus | Bombus fervidus | 69 |
| 15 | Black-and-gold Bumble BeeBombus auricomus | Bombus auricomus | 47 |
| 16 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 46 |
| 17 | Sculptured Resin BeeIntroducedMegachile sculpturalis | Megachile sculpturalis | 45 |
| 18 | Taurus Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia taurus | Osmia taurus | 44 |
| 19 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 41 |
| 20 | Dark-winged Sweat BeeLasioglossum fuscipenne | Lasioglossum fuscipenne | 27 |
| 21 | Spring Beauty MinerAndrena erigeniae | Andrena erigeniae | 25 |
| 22 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 25 |
| 23 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 24 |
| 24 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 24 |
| 25 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 24 |
| 26 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 23 |
| 27 | Bufflehead Mason BeeOsmia bucephala | Osmia bucephala | 23 |
| 28 | American Bumble BeeBombus pensylvanicus | Bombus pensylvanicus | 22 |
| 29 | Pugnacious Leafcutter BeeMegachile pugnata | Megachile pugnata | 19 |
| 30 | Denticulate Longhorn BeeMelissodes denticulatus | Melissodes denticulatus | 19 |
| 31 | Two-spotted Longhorn BeeMelissodes bimaculatus | Melissodes bimaculatus | 17 |
| 32 | Rufous-backed Cellophane BeeColletes thoracicus | Colletes thoracicus | 15 |
| 33 | Drury's Long-horned BeeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 14 |
| 34 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 13 |
| 35 | Pruinose Squash BeeXenoglossa pruinosa | Xenoglossa pruinosa | 13 |
| 36 | Rusty-patched Bumble BeeBombus affinis | Bombus affinis | 12 |
| 37 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 12 |
| 38 | Georgia Mason BeeOsmia georgica | Osmia georgica | 12 |
| 39 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 11 |
| 40 | Neighborly Mining BeeAndrena vicina | Andrena vicina | 10 |
| 41 | Black-and-yellow Nomad BeeNomada luteoloides | Nomada luteoloides | 10 |
Plus 82 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
7,918 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in West Virginia, most often in August, April, July.
When bee are recorded in West Virginia
Yes, bees are found throughout West Virginia. From the state's forests to backyard gardens, you can spot dozens of species. Start looking in sunny patches with wildflowers from spring through fall. The best places include the Monongahela National Forest and your own pollinator patch.
Where are bees most commonly seen in West Virginia?
Bees are most likely noticed in open, sunny areas with abundant flowers. In West Virginia, that includes meadows along the Greenbrier River Trail, forest edges in the Monongahela National Forest, and gardens in the eastern panhandle. Look for them on clover, dandelions, and goldenrod. For more on the state's habitats, check out our /wildlife/west-virginia page.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In West Virginia, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. 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.
When is the best time of year to spot bees in West Virginia?
The peak bee activity runs from April through September. Early spring brings queen bumblebees foraging for nectar. Summer is prime time for honey bees and native solitary bees. Warm, calm days with temperatures above 60°F offer the best odds. Rain and strong winds keep them in the hive.
See ourBees guidefor the next step.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around what season or weather patterns help, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in West Virginia. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
How to identify common bees in West Virginia?
Start with size and fuzziness. Bumblebees are large, round, and covered in dense hair. Honey bees are smaller, with slender bodies and golden-brown bands. Lookalikes include yellowjacket wasps, which have smooth, narrow waists. Bee identification is easier with a good field guide. For detailed ID tips, visit our /animals/bee page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What flowers attract bees in West Virginia gardens?
Native plants like purple coneflower, bee balm, and asters are bee magnets. Also try anise hyssop and goldenrod. Group flowers in clusters to make them easier for bees to find. Avoid hybrid flowers with double petals, which often lack pollen. Learn more at /wildlife/west-virginia.
How can you support bee populations in your backyard?
Leave some bare ground for ground nesting bees. Provide a shallow water dish with stones for landing. Avoid pesticides, especially during bloom times. You can also plant a pollinator strip along a fence. For fun ways to show your support, check out our /stickers collection of bee designs.
Where can you find bee-themed gear and gifts?
Once you start noticing bees, you might want to wear your enthusiasm. The Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt features a bee approaching a flower, perfect for walks in the woods. The Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap adds a subtle bee logo. And the Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap keeps your drink cool while you watch bees.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
A fitted tee with a detailed honey bee graphic, comfortable for hiking or casual wear.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A classic cap with a bee embroidery, adjustable back for a perfect fit.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz
A DIY tumbler wrap with honeycomb pattern, for crafty bee fans.Check Price and Availability
See ourShop wildlife stickersfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions about bees in West Virginia
- Are there honey bees in West Virginia? Yes, both wild and managed colonies exist. - What is the most common bee in West Virginia? Bumblebees are widespread, but honey bees are common near apiaries. - When do bees come out in West Virginia? Usually from March through November, with peak activity in summer. - How can I tell a bee from a wasp? Bees are hairy and stocky; wasps have smooth bodies with a narrow waist. For more on West Virginia wildlife, see /wildlife/west-virginia.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Plan your trip
Best time to see bee in West Virginia: August, April, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bee sighting in West Virginia
There are no verified bee records for West Virginia, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in West Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bluestone National Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What bee species live in West Virginia?+
Bees are most likely noticed in open, sunny areas with abundant flowers. In West Virginia, that includes meadows along the Greenbrier River Trail, forest edges in the Monongahela National Forest, and gardens in the eastern panhandle. Look for them on clover, dandelions, and goldenrod. For more on the state's habitats, check out our /wildlife/west-virginia page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In West Virginia, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. 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.
Where can you see bees in West Virginia?+
Bees are most likely noticed in open, sunny areas with abundant flowers. In West Virginia, that includes meadows along the Greenbrier River Trail, forest edges in the Monongahela National Forest, and gardens in the eastern panhandle. Look for them on clover, dandelions, and goldenrod. For more on the state's habitats, check out our /wildlife/west-virginia page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In West Virginia, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. 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.
When is the best time to see bees in West Virginia?+
Bees are most likely noticed in open, sunny areas with abundant flowers. In West Virginia, that includes meadows along the Greenbrier River Trail, forest edges in the Monongahela National Forest, and gardens in the eastern panhandle. Look for them on clover, dandelions, and goldenrod. For more on the state's habitats, check out our /wildlife/west-virginia page. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In West Virginia, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. 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.