104 Types of Bees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to over 400 species of native bees, plus the familiar honey bee. Most are gentle and vital for pollination. Start by learning the common groups: honey bees, bumblebees, and sweat bees. Look for them on flowers from spring through fall.
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
- August, July, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
104 types of bees recorded in Wisconsin
104 bee species have a verified observation record in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin rather than native.
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Also recorded in Wisconsin
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Tricolored Bumble BeeBombus ternarius | Bombus ternarius | 914 |
| 14 | Pure Green Sweat beeAugochlora pura | Augochlora pura | 779 |
| 15 | Two-spotted Longhorn BeeMelissodes bimaculatus | Melissodes bimaculatus | 778 |
| 16 | Eastern Carpenter BeeXylocopa virginica | Xylocopa virginica | 638 |
| 17 | Northern Amber Bumble BeeNativeBombus borealis | Bombus borealis | 618 |
| 18 | broad-handed leafcutter beeMegachile latimanus | Megachile latimanus | 294 |
| 19 | Eastern Thistle Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes desponsus | Melissodes desponsus | 248 |
| 20 | Perplexing Bumble BeeBombus perplexus | Bombus perplexus | 246 |
| 21 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 236 |
| 22 | Dark-veined Longhorn BeeNativeMelissodes trinodis | Melissodes trinodis | 231 |
| 23 | Dunning's MinerAndrena dunningi | Andrena dunningi | 220 |
| 24 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 207 |
| 25 | Confusing Furrow BeeHalictus confusus | Halictus confusus | 202 |
| 26 | Spurred CeratinaCeratina calcarata | Ceratina calcarata | 175 |
| 27 | Modest Masked BeeHylaeus modestus | Hylaeus modestus | 173 |
| 28 | Carlin's Mining BeeAndrena carlini | Andrena carlini | 168 |
| 29 | Golden Sweat BeeAugochlorella aurata | Augochlorella aurata | 167 |
| 30 | Hawthorn Mining BeeAndrena crataegi | Andrena crataegi | 165 |
| 31 | Unequal Cellophane BeeColletes inaequalis | Colletes inaequalis | 165 |
| 32 | Orange-tipped Wood-diggerAnthophora terminalis | Anthophora terminalis | 158 |
| 33 | Yellow-banded Bumble BeeBombus terricola | Bombus terricola | 154 |
| 34 | Oblong Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium oblongatum | Anthidium oblongatum | 146 |
| 35 | Neighborly Mining BeeAndrena vicina | Andrena vicina | 144 |
| 36 | Wilke's Mining BeeIntroducedAndrena wilkella | Andrena wilkella | 134 |
| 37 | Flat-tailed Leafcutter BeeMegachile mendica | Megachile mendica | 134 |
| 38 | Drury's Long-horned BeeNativeMelissodes druriellus | Melissodes druriellus | 130 |
| 39 | Pugnacious Leafcutter BeeNativeMegachile pugnata | Megachile pugnata | 127 |
| 40 | Coneflower Mining BeeNativeAndrena rudbeckiae | Andrena rudbeckiae | 122 |
| 41 | American Bumble BeeBombus pensylvanicus | Bombus pensylvanicus | 121 |
| 42 | Hairy-banded Mining BeeNativeAndrena hirticincta | Andrena hirticincta | 96 |
| 43 | Bellflower Resin BeeMegachile campanulae | Megachile campanulae | 89 |
| 44 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 83 |
| 45 | Northeastern Sweat BeeAugochloropsis viridula | Augochloropsis viridula | 82 |
| 46 | Spring Beauty MinerNativeAndrena erigeniae | Andrena erigeniae | 81 |
| 47 | Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo BeeTriepeolus lunatus | Triepeolus lunatus | 80 |
| 48 | Cresson's Mining BeeAndrena cressonii | Andrena cressonii | 77 |
| 49 | Sunflower Mining BeeNativeAndrena helianthi | Andrena helianthi | 69 |
| 50 | Horn-faced Mason BeeIntroducedOsmia cornifrons | Osmia cornifrons | 68 |
Plus 54 more established bees species beyond the top 50. And 94 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
60,277 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Wisconsin, most often in August, July, June.
When bee are recorded in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to over 400 species of native bees, plus the familiar honey bee. Most are gentle and vital for pollination. Start by learning the common groups: honey bees, bumblebees, and sweat bees. Look for them on flowers from spring through fall.
1. What types of bees are commonly found in Wisconsin?
The most common groups are honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, leafcutter bees, and carpenter bees. Honey bees are smaller with golden bands, while bumblebees are large and fuzzy. Sweat bees are tiny and metallic. Visitthe bee hubfor more species details.
In Wisconsin, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
2. How can I tell bees apart from their lookalikes?
Bees are usually hairy, stocky, and have flattened hind legs for carrying pollen. Lookalikes like yellowjackets and hoverflies are smoother and more slender. Hoverflies have only two wings (bees have four) and hover in place. Check outour Wisconsin wildlife pagefor more tips.
3. Where in Wisconsin are you most likely to see bees?
Bees thrive in sunny areas with abundant flowers: prairies, gardens, roadsides, and forest edges. Start in your own backyard or a local park. The best odds are in southern Wisconsin's agricultural areas and the Driftless Region. Northern forests have fewer open flowers but still host many species.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to spot bees in Wisconsin?
Early spring (late April) to late fall (October) is the active season. Peak diversity is mid-summer (July-August) when many flowers bloom. On a warm sunny day, you can see dozens of species. Early morning or late afternoon often yields less flight activity but good photo opportunities.
5. What are the key identification features of Wisconsin's bumblebees?
Bumblebees are large, round, and fuzzy with a distinct buzz. Look at the color pattern: yellow bands on the thorax and abdomen. Common species include the brown belted bumblebee and the tricolored bumblebee. They are often seen on clover and thistle. Use a field guide to separate them.
6. How do honey bees differ from native bees in Wisconsin?
Honey bees are smaller, more slender, with a golden brown color and thin black bands. They live in large colonies and are often seen foraging in groups. Native bees like bumblebees and leafcutter bees are solitary or live in small groups. Many native bees are more effective pollinators per visit.
7. What gear or gifts can help you celebrate Wisconsin bees?
Show your appreciation with bee themed gifts. TheHoney Bee in Flight Women's T Shirtfeatures a detailed honey bee illustration. Stay hydrated with theHoney Bee Tumbler Wrap. Or top off with aCustom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap. Check out morewildlife stickersfor your gear.
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T Shirt
A polyester fitted tee showing a honey bee approaching a flower. A subtle way to support bee awareness.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz
A laser engraved tumbler wrap with honeycomb and floral design. Ideal for customizing your own cup.Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A classic cap with embroidered bee design. Perfect for field outings.Check Price and Availability
8. Frequently asked questions about bees in Wisconsin
**Are there killer bees in Wisconsin?** No. Africanized honey bees are not established in the state. **What is the most common bee in Wisconsin?** Sweat bees (Halictidae) are likely the most numerous, though less noticed. **How can I attract bees to my garden?** Plant native wildflowers, avoid pesticides, and provide bare ground for ground nesting bees. For a visual reminder, browsebee themed stickers.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Which Wisconsin bee is currently on the endangered species list?
The rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) is federally listed as an endangered species and is found in southern Wisconsin. It is the first bee in the continental United States to receive this protection. Sightings of this species are extremely important for conservation efforts and should be reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
What are the best flowers for attracting Wisconsin's native bees?
Native plants like wild bergamot, purple prairie clover, and various goldenrod species are excellent for attracting a wide variety of native bees. These plants provide high-quality nectar and pollen that local bees have adapted to over thousands of years. Creating a diverse garden that blooms from early spring through late fall ensures a steady food source for multiple bee families.
Frequently asked questions
1. What types of bees are commonly found in Wisconsin?+
The most common groups are honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, leafcutter bees, and carpenter bees. Honey bees are smaller with golden bands, while bumblebees are large and fuzzy. Sweat bees are tiny and metallic. Visitthe bee hubfor more species details. In Wisconsin, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
2. How can I tell bees apart from their lookalikes?+
Bees are usually hairy, stocky, and have flattened hind legs for carrying pollen. Lookalikes like yellowjackets and hoverflies are smoother and more slender. Hoverflies have only two wings (bees have four) and hover in place. Check outour Wisconsin wildlife pagefor more tips.
3. Where in Wisconsin are you most likely to see bees?+
Bees thrive in sunny areas with abundant flowers: prairies, gardens, roadsides, and forest edges. Start in your own backyard or a local park. The best odds are in southern Wisconsin's agricultural areas and the Driftless Region. Northern forests have fewer open flowers but still host many species. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to spot bees in Wisconsin?+
Early spring (late April) to late fall (October) is the active season. Peak diversity is mid-summer (July-August) when many flowers bloom. On a warm sunny day, you can see dozens of species. Early morning or late afternoon often yields less flight activity but good photo opportunities.
5. What are the key identification features of Wisconsin's bumblebees?+
Bumblebees are large, round, and fuzzy with a distinct buzz. Look at the color pattern: yellow bands on the thorax and abdomen. Common species include the brown belted bumblebee and the tricolored bumblebee. They are often seen on clover and thistle. Use a field guide to separate them.
6. How do honey bees differ from native bees in Wisconsin?+
Honey bees are smaller, more slender, with a golden brown color and thin black bands. They live in large colonies and are often seen foraging in groups. Native bees like bumblebees and leafcutter bees are solitary or live in small groups. Many native bees are more effective pollinators per visit.
7. What gear or gifts can help you celebrate Wisconsin bees?+
Show your appreciation with bee themed gifts. TheHoney Bee in Flight Women's T Shirtfeatures a detailed honey bee illustration. Stay hydrated with theHoney Bee Tumbler Wrap. Or top off with aCustom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap. Check out morewildlife stickersfor your gear. ### Honey Bee in Flight Women's T Shirt A polyester fitted tee showing a honey bee approaching a flower. A subtle way to support bee awareness.Check Price and Availability ### Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz A laser engraved tumbler wrap with honeycomb and floral design. Ideal for customizing your own cup.Check Price and Availability ### Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap A classic cap with embroidered bee design. Perfect for field outings.Check Price and Availability
Which Wisconsin bee is currently on the endangered species list?+
The rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) is federally listed as an endangered species and is found in southern Wisconsin. It is the first bee in the continental United States to receive this protection. Sightings of this species are extremely important for conservation efforts and should be reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
What are the best flowers for attracting Wisconsin's native bees?+
Native plants like wild bergamot, purple prairie clover, and various goldenrod species are excellent for attracting a wide variety of native bees. These plants provide high-quality nectar and pollen that local bees have adapted to over thousands of years. Creating a diverse garden that blooms from early spring through late fall ensures a steady food source for multiple bee families.