Bees and bumble bees

Hymenoptera: Apidae

Photos

Honey bees are more delicate than bumble bees with a hairy, golden brown body with yellow rings on the abdomen. Charles Vincent, Ag. & Agri-Food Canada
B

Principal species are honey bees and bumble bees. Bumble bees, e.g. Bombus sp. (A) have a robust black body covered with hair of variable colors (yellow, orange, black, and white). Honey bees, e.g. Apis mellifera L. (B) are more delicate; they are golden brown with yellow rings on the abdomen, and have a hairy body.

Similar Species

The bees can be confused with some wasps, but the latter are darker and are not covered with hair. Carpenter bees may be mistaken for bumble bees, but the former have the dorsum of the abdomen largely bare. Note: Other families of bees are commonly found (Megachilidae, leafcutting bees; Halictidae and Andrenidae; Colletidae, plasterer bees; Anthophoridae, digger bees, etc.). They are distinguished by their smaller size and fewer hairs. Many are extremely efficient pollinators. Note: These Hymenopterans are very sensitive to insecticides, particularly those having broad-spectrum efficacy.

MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management