41 Types of Bees in Wyoming
Bees do show up in Wyoming, 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. Wyoming hosts three main groups: managed honey bees, native bumble and carpenter bees, and solitary specialists. Each responds to different flowers, altitudes, and seasons. The eastern plains around alfalfa and canola fields draw commercial hives, while native species thrive in mountain meadows and gardens. Learning to spot the differences saves time in the field and deepens your appreciation for each group's role in Wyoming ecosystems.
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
- July, June, August
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
41 types of bees recorded in Wyoming
41 bee species have a verified observation record in Wyoming across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
3 of the 41 shown are recorded as introduced to Wyoming rather than native.
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Also recorded in Wyoming
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Two-spotted Bumble BeeBombus bimaculatus | Bombus bimaculatus | 123 |
| 14 | Brown-belted Bumble BeeBombus griseocollis | Bombus griseocollis | 117 |
| 15 | Forest Bumble BeeBombus sylvicola | Bombus sylvicola | 83 |
| 16 | Orange-legged Furrow BeeHalictus rubicundus | Halictus rubicundus | 65 |
| 17 | American Bumble BeeBombus pensylvanicus | Bombus pensylvanicus | 59 |
| 18 | Yellowish Cuckoo Bumble beeBombus flavidus | Bombus flavidus | 59 |
| 19 | California Bumble BeeBombus californicus | Bombus californicus | 51 |
| 20 | Golden-belted Bumble BeeBombus kirbiellus | Bombus kirbiellus | 44 |
| 21 | Colorado Black-notched Bumble BeeBombus bifarius | Bombus bifarius | 41 |
| 22 | Black-tailed Bumble BeeBombus melanopygus | Bombus melanopygus | 38 |
| 23 | Ligated Furrow BeeHalictus ligatus | Halictus ligatus | 34 |
| 24 | Green Small-MasonHoplitis fulgida | Hoplitis fulgida | 27 |
| 25 | Western Leafcutter BeeMegachile perihirta | Megachile perihirta | 27 |
| 26 | Bicolored Striped Sweat BeeAgapostemon virescens | Agapostemon virescens | 21 |
| 27 | Black-and-gray Leafcutter BeeMegachile melanophaea | Megachile melanophaea | 21 |
| 28 | Urbane Digger BeeAnthophora urbana | Anthophora urbana | 20 |
| 29 | European Woolcarder BeeIntroducedAnthidium manicatum | Anthidium manicatum | 20 |
| 30 | frigid bumble beeBombus frigidus | Bombus frigidus | 19 |
| 31 | Bumblebee-like Digger BeeAnthophora bomboides | Anthophora bomboides | 18 |
| 32 | Fine striped sweat beeAgapostemon subtilior | Agapostemon subtilior | 18 |
| 33 | Alfalfa Leafcutter BeeIntroducedMegachile rotundata | Megachile rotundata | 16 |
| 34 | Prunus Miner BeeAndrena prunorum | Andrena prunorum | 15 |
| 35 | Unarmed Leafcutter BeeMegachile inermis | Megachile inermis | 15 |
| 36 | Pugnacious Leafcutter BeeMegachile pugnata | Megachile pugnata | 13 |
| 37 | Southern Plains Bumble BeeBombus fraternus | Bombus fraternus | 12 |
| 38 | Milwaukee Mining BeeAndrena milwaukeensis | Andrena milwaukeensis | 11 |
| 39 | Morrison's Bumble BeeNativeBombus morrisoni | Bombus morrisoni | 11 |
| 40 | Orange-tipped Wood-diggerAnthophora terminalis | Anthophora terminalis | 10 |
| 41 | Anthophora walshiiAnthophora walshii | Anthophora walshii | 10 |
Plus 67 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
7,658 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in July, June, August.
When bee are recorded in Wyoming
Bees do show up in Wyoming, 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. Wyoming hosts three main groups: managed honey bees, native bumble and carpenter bees, and solitary specialists. Each responds to different flowers, altitudes, and seasons. The eastern plains around alfalfa and canola fields draw commercial hives, while native species thrive in mountain meadows and gardens. Learning to spot the differences saves time in the field and deepens your appreciation for each group's role in Wyoming ecosystems.
1. What types of bees are most common in Wyoming?
Wyoming's bee population includes honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and a variety of solitary bees like leafcutters and mason bees. Honey bees are the most recognizable, but native bumblebees and solitary bees are also abundant. Look for bumblebees in meadows and gardens, and solitary bees near bare ground or hollow stems.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In Wyoming, 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 you tell honey bees apart from bumblebees in Wyoming?
Honey bees are slender with a golden-brown and black striped abdomen, about half an inch long. Bumblebees are rounder, fuzzier, often larger, with black and yellow bands and a blunt abdomen. Honey bees are more likely in managed hives near orchards, while bumblebees are common in wildflower patches across the state. A simple field check: watch the movement pattern. Honey bees tend to work methodically flower to flower, while bumblebees often pause longer on a single bloom. Bumblebees are also vocal, producing an audible buzz that honey bees do not. In late season (September-October), bumblebees are noticeably slower and more solitary, as colonies break down for winter.
See ourBees guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Wyoming do people usually notice bees first?
Bees are most noticeable in the eastern plains and the Bighorn Basin during spring and summer, especially around alfalfa fields and sunflower stands. In the mountains, they appear in lower valleys like Jackson Hole after snowmelt. Start in sagebrush flats with blooming rabbitbrush or near water sources like the North Platte River. The Green River drainage (southwest Wyoming) also hosts strong bee populations in late May through July. Beekeepers concentrate in Laramie and Albany counties, where flowering windows align with hive buildup. Wildlife areas like the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest are reliable spots for mixed native populations.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for seeing bees in Wyoming?
Bees are active from late April through September, with peak activity in July and August. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best views when bees are foraging but avoid the midday heat. In higher elevations (above 8,000 ft), the window shortens to June through August. Late May brings an explosion of bumblebees in alpine meadows as snow retreats. April sightings favor low-elevation gardens and orchards in areas like Casper and Laramie. September is excellent for observing late-blooming goldenrod specialists and male carpenter bees, which emerge weeks after females.
5. Which lookalikes cause confusion with bees in Wyoming?
Yellow jackets and hover flies are often mistaken for bees. Yellow jackets have smooth bodies, narrow waists, and more aggressive behavior. Hover flies have large eyes, a single pair of wings, and hover in place. Bees have hairy bodies, pollen baskets on legs, and typically plump abdomens. Check the eyes and waist to separate them. Robber flies can also cause confusion, but they are predatory with large forward-facing eyes and no pollen baskets. Carpenter bees are sometimes mistaken for bumble bees, but carpenter bee females are shiny and bare on the abdomen, whereas bumbles are uniformly hairy. Males of both species hover around nesting areas, which helps narrow the ID.
6. What are the easiest bees to identify for beginners?
Start with honey bees and bumblebees. Honey bees have a distinct golden color and live in large colonies. Bumblebees are slow, loud, and often seen on clover. For solitary bees, look for leafcutter bees with neat circular cuts on leaves and mason bees carrying mud to nest holes. Use these markers before moving to trickier species. Carpenter bees are also relatively easy because the large, black, shiny females are unmistakable. If you see a bee with pollen on its back legs in a basket-like clump, it is a bee (not a wasp or fly). That pollen basket is the single best beginner marker.
7. What equipment helps when identifying bees in the field?
A close-up camera or phone with a macro lens and a field guide are the basics. A net and a clear jar can help for a closer look (release after). The /stickers page has wildlife-themed aids. For gear that supports bee watching, consider a lightweight shirt with bee motifs. One option is the Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt. []() This shirt keeps you comfortable while watching bees. Another handy item is the Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap. []() It shades your eyes during long field sessions. For a picnic or break, theHoney Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20ozCheck Price and Availability keeps drinks cold. See more in the /stickers shop for bee-themed stickers.
See ourShop wildlife stickersfor the next step.
8. Can you find rare or unusual bees in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming has several specialist bees like the sunflower bee (Svastra obliqua) and the squash bee (Peponapis pruinosa). These are tied to specific plants. Sunflower bees are common in eastern Wyoming near cultivated sunflowers. Squash bees appear in gardens with pumpkins or squash. Look for them during midday when they are most active on flowers. The rubber rabbitbrush bee (Protandrena spp.) is another Wyoming native, active mainly in late summer and fall on native rabbitbrush. Long-horned bees (Melissodes) and mining bees (Andrena) also occur statewide but require closer inspection to identify to species. These specialists are not aggressive and make excellent photography subjects if you move slowly and avoid shadows.
9. What questions do people often ask about bees in Wyoming?
**Are honey bees native to Wyoming?** No, they were introduced from Europe. Native bees include bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees. **Do all bees sting?** Only female bees have stingers, and most are not aggressive unless provoked. **How can I attract bees to my yard?** Plant native wildflowers like purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan. Avoid pesticides.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
10. How do mining bees and sweat bees differ in Wyoming?
Mining bees (Andrena spp.) are small, dark, and often metallic green or blue, and they dig individual nesting burrows in bare soil or road banks. They emerge very early in spring (March-April) and are solitary, though many nest in loose aggregations. Sweat bees (Halictidae) are also small but often bright metallic or yellow-striped, and they are attracted to human sweat and salt on skin. Both are harmless and excellent pollinators. Sweat bees are active throughout the growing season, while mining bees have a narrow spring window. If you see a tiny bee clustered on your arm or neck during a hike, it is likely a sweat bee, and simply moving indoors or brushing gently will send it away.
11. What environmental threats face Wyoming bees?
Pesticide use on agricultural lands, habitat loss to development, and climate change all reduce bee populations in Wyoming. Neonicotinoid insecticides on alfalfa and canola directly kill honey bees and native species. Herbicide spraying removes wildflowers that support solitary bees and late-season food sources. Prolonged drought (common in eastern Wyoming) shortens flowering windows and stresses water-dependent species. Conservation areas like the Seedskadee Refuge provide refuge populations, but private land management directly affects the majority of Wyoming bees. Choosing native plants, avoiding pesticides, and leaving some bare soil for mining bees helps on local scales.
12. Which Wyoming bee species are easiest to attract to gardens?
Bumblebees, mason bees, and leafcutters readily nest in gardens with native flowers and minimal disturbance. Plant early bloomers like hellebore and lungwort (March-April), followed by coneflower, bee balm, and blanket flower (May-August), then asters and goldenrod (August-October). Provide bare ground patches for mining bees and woody stems or drilled blocks for cavity nesters. Avoid double-flowered varieties, which offer little pollen and nectar. Leave dead plant stems standing through winter for overwintering bees. A shallow water source (pebbles in a dish prevent drowning) supports all groups. With these simple steps, you can host 5-10 native bee species year-round in most Wyoming gardens.
Frequently asked questions
1. What types of bees are most common in Wyoming?+
Wyoming's bee population includes honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and a variety of solitary bees like leafcutters and mason bees. Honey bees are the most recognizable, but native bumblebees and solitary bees are also abundant. Look for bumblebees in meadows and gardens, and solitary bees near bare ground or hollow stems. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Wyoming, 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 you tell honey bees apart from bumblebees in Wyoming?+
Honey bees are slender with a golden-brown and black striped abdomen, about half an inch long. Bumblebees are rounder, fuzzier, often larger, with black and yellow bands and a blunt abdomen. Honey bees are more likely in managed hives near orchards, while bumblebees are common in wildflower patches across the state. A simple field check: watch the movement pattern. Honey bees tend to work methodically flower to flower, while bumblebees often pause longer on a single bloom. Bumblebees are also vocal, producing an audible buzz that honey bees do not. In late season (September-October), bumblebees are noticeably slower and more solitary, as colonies break down for winter. See ourBees guidefor the next step.
3. Where in Wyoming do people usually notice bees first?+
Bees are most noticeable in the eastern plains and the Bighorn Basin during spring and summer, especially around alfalfa fields and sunflower stands. In the mountains, they appear in lower valleys like Jackson Hole after snowmelt. Start in sagebrush flats with blooming rabbitbrush or near water sources like the North Platte River. The Green River drainage (southwest Wyoming) also hosts strong bee populations in late May through July. Beekeepers concentrate in Laramie and Albany counties, where flowering windows align with hive buildup. Wildlife areas like the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest are reliable spots for mixed native populations. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best season for seeing bees in Wyoming?+
Bees are active from late April through September, with peak activity in July and August. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best views when bees are foraging but avoid the midday heat. In higher elevations (above 8,000 ft), the window shortens to June through August. Late May brings an explosion of bumblebees in alpine meadows as snow retreats. April sightings favor low-elevation gardens and orchards in areas like Casper and Laramie. September is excellent for observing late-blooming goldenrod specialists and male carpenter bees, which emerge weeks after females.
5. Which lookalikes cause confusion with bees in Wyoming?+
Yellow jackets and hover flies are often mistaken for bees. Yellow jackets have smooth bodies, narrow waists, and more aggressive behavior. Hover flies have large eyes, a single pair of wings, and hover in place. Bees have hairy bodies, pollen baskets on legs, and typically plump abdomens. Check the eyes and waist to separate them. Robber flies can also cause confusion, but they are predatory with large forward-facing eyes and no pollen baskets. Carpenter bees are sometimes mistaken for bumble bees, but carpenter bee females are shiny and bare on the abdomen, whereas bumbles are uniformly hairy. Males of both species hover around nesting areas, which helps narrow the ID.
6. What are the easiest bees to identify for beginners?+
Start with honey bees and bumblebees. Honey bees have a distinct golden color and live in large colonies. Bumblebees are slow, loud, and often seen on clover. For solitary bees, look for leafcutter bees with neat circular cuts on leaves and mason bees carrying mud to nest holes. Use these markers before moving to trickier species. Carpenter bees are also relatively easy because the large, black, shiny females are unmistakable. If you see a bee with pollen on its back legs in a basket-like clump, it is a bee (not a wasp or fly). That pollen basket is the single best beginner marker.
7. What equipment helps when identifying bees in the field?+
A close-up camera or phone with a macro lens and a field guide are the basics. A net and a clear jar can help for a closer look (release after). The /stickers page has wildlife-themed aids. For gear that supports bee watching, consider a lightweight shirt with bee motifs. One option is the Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt. []() This shirt keeps you comfortable while watching bees. Another handy item is the Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap. []() It shades your eyes during long field sessions. For a picnic or break, theHoney Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20ozCheck Price and Availability keeps drinks cold. See more in the /stickers shop for bee-themed stickers. See ourShop wildlife stickersfor the next step.
8. Can you find rare or unusual bees in Wyoming?+
Yes, Wyoming has several specialist bees like the sunflower bee (Svastra obliqua) and the squash bee (Peponapis pruinosa). These are tied to specific plants. Sunflower bees are common in eastern Wyoming near cultivated sunflowers. Squash bees appear in gardens with pumpkins or squash. Look for them during midday when they are most active on flowers. The rubber rabbitbrush bee (Protandrena spp.) is another Wyoming native, active mainly in late summer and fall on native rabbitbrush. Long-horned bees (Melissodes) and mining bees (Andrena) also occur statewide but require closer inspection to identify to species. These specialists are not aggressive and make excellent photography subjects if you move slowly and avoid shadows.
9. What questions do people often ask about bees in Wyoming?+
**Are honey bees native to Wyoming?** No, they were introduced from Europe. Native bees include bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees. **Do all bees sting?** Only female bees have stingers, and most are not aggressive unless provoked. **How can I attract bees to my yard?** Plant native wildflowers like purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan. Avoid pesticides. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
10. How do mining bees and sweat bees differ in Wyoming?+
Mining bees (Andrena spp.) are small, dark, and often metallic green or blue, and they dig individual nesting burrows in bare soil or road banks. They emerge very early in spring (March-April) and are solitary, though many nest in loose aggregations. Sweat bees (Halictidae) are also small but often bright metallic or yellow-striped, and they are attracted to human sweat and salt on skin. Both are harmless and excellent pollinators. Sweat bees are active throughout the growing season, while mining bees have a narrow spring window. If you see a tiny bee clustered on your arm or neck during a hike, it is likely a sweat bee, and simply moving indoors or brushing gently will send it away.
11. What environmental threats face Wyoming bees?+
Pesticide use on agricultural lands, habitat loss to development, and climate change all reduce bee populations in Wyoming. Neonicotinoid insecticides on alfalfa and canola directly kill honey bees and native species. Herbicide spraying removes wildflowers that support solitary bees and late-season food sources. Prolonged drought (common in eastern Wyoming) shortens flowering windows and stresses water-dependent species. Conservation areas like the Seedskadee Refuge provide refuge populations, but private land management directly affects the majority of Wyoming bees. Choosing native plants, avoiding pesticides, and leaving some bare soil for mining bees helps on local scales.
12. Which Wyoming bee species are easiest to attract to gardens?+
Bumblebees, mason bees, and leafcutters readily nest in gardens with native flowers and minimal disturbance. Plant early bloomers like hellebore and lungwort (March-April), followed by coneflower, bee balm, and blanket flower (May-August), then asters and goldenrod (August-October). Provide bare ground patches for mining bees and woody stems or drilled blocks for cavity nesters. Avoid double-flowered varieties, which offer little pollen and nectar. Leave dead plant stems standing through winter for overwintering bees. A shallow water source (pebbles in a dish prevent drowning) supports all groups. With these simple steps, you can host 5-10 native bee species year-round in most Wyoming gardens.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Wyoming