Native Bees 101: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Spot Them
- Amanda Ross
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Bees. Love ‘em or swat at ‘em, one thing’s for sure—you need them. But did you know that honeybees are just the tip of the iceberg? North America is home to nearly 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are often mistaken for wasps, flies, or overlooked entirely. These fuzzy little pollinators are unsung heroes of our ecosystems, quietly supporting the plants and wildlife around us.
This post is Part 1 of our two-part native bee series. In this first installment, we’re digging into the secret world of native bees: their fascinating behaviors, vibrant diversity, and crucial ecological roles. Part 2 will focus on creating a bee-friendly habitat in your own yard—just in time for spring.
So if you're dreaming of a buzzing, flower-filled garden, whether it’s a colorful escape, a peaceful retreat, or a food-producing oasis, understanding bees is the first step. Let’s dive in and see what all the buzz is about!
What Is a Bee, Anyway?
When someone says “bee,” the reddish-brown European honeybee probably pops into your mind. But bees are far more diverse than that. Many insects we think are bees are actually wasps or flies, and vice versa.
Safety First: No Need to Panic
Before we go further, let’s clear this up: bees are not out to get you. Most won’t sting unless provoked, and many need to be squeezed or stepped on before they react. The best strategy? Stay calm, don’t swat, and leave them alone.
🚨 Caution: If a bunch of angry "bees" fly up from the ground, they’re probably yellow jacket wasps… and they don’t play nice. Run!
Bees vs. Wasps vs. Flies: What’s the Difference?
🐝 What Makes a Bee a Bee?
Bees are insects in the order Hymenoptera, which includes ants, wasps, and sawflies. Bees evolved from predatory wasps and adapted to feed on pollen and nectar instead of insects. This dietary shift gave bees their iconic fuzziness—pollen sticks to those hairs like Velcro.
There are over 20,000 known bee species worldwide, and about 4,000 are native to North America. They come in all sizes and colors, from metallic green to jet black to bright orange.
Bee Anatomy 101
All bees have three main body sections:
Head – contains the antennae, mouthparts, and eyes.
Thorax – where the wings and legs attach.
Abdomen – contains digestive and reproductive organs and (in females) the stinger.
Head
Bees have five eyes: three simple eyes (ocelli) and two large compound eyes. They use their ocelli to orient to the sun and navigate, while their compound eyes detect colors, shapes, and even ultraviolet light.💡 Fun Fact: Bees can't see red well—so most bee-pollinated flowers are purple, yellow, or orange.
Their mouthparts include a glossa (like a tongue) and mandibles (like tiny jaws) for grabbing, chewing, carrying, and building.
Thorax
This is the bee’s motor—home to powerful flight muscles and six legs adapted for gathering pollen. Some bees, like bumblebees and honeybees, have pollen baskets on their legs.
Abdomen
The abdomen houses internal organs and, in many females, the stinger. It’s often fuzzy to help with pollen collection.
Bee or Wasp?
Wasps and bees share a common ancestor, but their lifestyles are very different.
Bees | Wasps |
Vegetarian | Omnivore |
Fuzzy | Smooth |
Stocky | Slender, narrow waist |
Collect pollen for young | Hunt insects for young |
Wasps = insect ninjas.
Bee or Fly?
Some flies mimic bees, but there are key differences:
Bees | Flies |
4 wings | 2 wings |
Long antennae | Short, stubby antennae |
Hairy bodies | Can be hairy or smooth |
Compound + simple eyes | Just large compound eyes |
When in doubt, count the wings. Bees always have four!
🐝 = good vibes
🪰 = mixed reviews
Meet Some Native Bees
North America’s native bees are incredible. Many are solitary and don’t live in hives.
Leafcutter Bees – Use leaves to build nests in hollow stems.
Squash Bees – Love squash flowers and often nap inside them.
Bumblebees – Fuzzy and social; 46 species in North America.
Carpenter Bees – Drill into wood to create nests. (They can be discouraged with some non-lethal methods—stay tuned for our tips!)
Native bees range in size from the tiny Perdita minima (2 mm) to chubby carpenter bees the size of a grape. Their colors span the rainbow: iridescent greens, metallic blues, deep purples, and more.
Download a copy of our 5 Common Types of Native Bees identification guide.
A Bee’s Life: Metamorphosis
All bees go through complete metamorphosis:
Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
Most of a bee’s life is spent inside a nest, especially in solitary species. Female bees often time their emergence with bloom cycles to ensure food is available for their young.
Habitat Needs: Food and Shelter
Native bees have simple needs:
🌼 Food – Nectar (energy) + Pollen (protein).
💧 Water – Especially shallow puddles or wet soil.
🏡 Shelter – Ground-nesters need bare, well-drained soil. Twig and cavity nesters need hollow stems or wood.
Some bees, like bumblebees, use abandoned rodent burrows. Others, like mason bees, love pre-drilled holes in untreated wood.
Fun Fact: Bumblebees “buzz pollinate” tomatoes by vibrating their bodies to shake loose pollen!
Learn how to create a simple bee hotel, using natural materials.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our native bee series, where I’ll walk you through how to design your own bee-friendly garden. You’ll learn what to plant, what to avoid, and how to welcome these unsung pollinator heroes into your yard.
And hey, if you’ve ever mistaken a hoverfly for a bee—don’t worry. You’re not alone. But now, you’re in the know. 🐝
📸 Have a bee pic? Tag us on Instagram @DIYNatureOlogies and use #BeeKindDIY
Your feedback is always appreciated!
Like - Comment - Share
Comments