There are nearly 20,000 species of bees around the world, only six of which produce honey. Of those, almost 900 are present in Texas! Become one with the buzz and meet the families of Texas’ native bee community.
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)
Bumblebees are well known for their adorable fuzziness and docility. Bumblebees are social bees, meaning they live in colonies. Although their colonies are much smaller than that of a honeybee – around 20-400 individuals – they nest in the ground rather than a hive. Bumblebees often take over abandoned rodent burrows and although they can produce wax, they lack the signature hexagons of honeybee colonies. A bumblebee can sting many times repeatedly without self-injury. Bumblebees have exhibited abilities to learn socially, including behaviors from nectar robbing to football.
Bumblebees are effective pollinators and are extremely beneficial to plant species native to North America. Their populations are in decline, and many species are of concern or are threatened. You can download this cool poster on bumblebee identification from Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp., Ceratina)
Morphologically similar to bumblebees, Carpenter bees typically lack the adorable abdominal fuzz that is trademark of the bumblebee. The three species pictured here are present in Texas. The abdomen is sleek and occasionally a dark metallic color, while the upper body may be fuzzy. As their name may indicate, carpenter bees build nests in wood, which can cause considerable damage for the homeowner. Most carpenter bees are solitary, but they have been known to live socially with their daughters. Like many bees, male carpenter bees cannot deliver a sting, due to the stinger being a modified part of the female reproductive system.
Plasterer bees (Collectidae)
These bees can be pale and hairy or sleek and yellow-faced. They’re solitary bees, nesting in the ground with a thin, flexible coating made from chewed plant material. Yellow-faced bees are so docile they can be handled, and are of extreme value to native vegetation. Many of these bees will specialize in one specific plant, forming an intimate relationship between the two.
Mason bees (Osmia spp. Megachilidae)
Mason bees are solitary bees. Effective pollinators, some beekeepers suggest keeping mason bees as a supplement to honeybee hives. Each female bee is a fertile queen, and she will gather pollen and nectar, take care of her brood, and collect housing materials. With so much to do, it’s no wonder mason bees are so gentle. They are not territorial of their nests, and allow passers-by without stinging. Unlike Carpenter bees, mason bees can’t make their own nest, and live in places ranging from reeds to snail shells. You can build a home for mason bees in your own yard.
Mining bees (Adrenidae)
Like the majority of bee species, mining bees are solitary, and all females are fertile. They build their homes in the soil, and are beneficial to the gardener. Mining bees are typically specialists, collecting from a small number of plant species. Female mining bees have a tuft of fuzz in between their antennae, and their pollen baskets (“pockets” on their hind legs where bees store pollen) are well defined. These features allow the females to be exceptionally good at collecting pollen.
Pesticides can greatly affect these little guys, so be wary next time you reach for the Raid.
Sweat bees (Halictidae)
Sweat bees are named because they collect perspiration. Bees are no different from us in that they need certain minerals, and source their salt from our sweat! They may be metallic, striped, or plain and dark. They are some of the smallest bees, and their sting is not painful. Different species live in different nesting areas: in wood, plant material, but the majority nest in the ground. Many sweat beees live in a small colony with worker/queen distinctions. Some sweat bees may be nocturnal, and have small simple eyes (ocelli) in between their compound eyes to aid in night vision.
Digger bees (Anthophora, Melissodes)
Anthrophora are entirely solitary, and both genus listed here live by digging in the ground. Melissodes are larger bees, and the males have such long antennae, they are called longhorn bees. You can see them in action at the Fort Worth Nature Center. Although they are solitary, they can be found in large groups being alone: together. They waterproof their nests with an oily material.
Orchid bees (Euglossini)
Orchid bees are some of the flashiest species of Hymenoptera. With stunning iridescent coloration, the fascinating life of orchid bees is more than meets the eye. Described as “living jewels”, euglossines live in tropical areas where orchids are most abundant. Orchid bees are specialized bees, and their biology reflects the plants they pollinate. An orchid will produce a signature scent, which attracts male orchid bees. Then, in the example of a bucket orchid, the bee will fall into and crawl through the orchid. The bucket orchid then attaches its pollen packet to the bee using a natural adhesive, and releases the bee. New species of orchids have been found simply by following orchid bees with attached pollen to their next flower.
Although orchid bees don’t typically live in the US, a few species have inhabited Florida and Arizona. Additionally, Euglossa dilemma (appearing on the right) can be found in Austin, Texas.
Cant stop staring? You can look at more euglossines here.
Leafcutter bees (Megachilidae)
My absolute favorite, leaf cutter bees make up for their drabness with craftsmanship. These species line their nests with the perfect circles they cut from plant leaves or petals. They’re relatives of Mason bees, distinguished by their nesting habits. Leafcutter bees stuff their nests with leaf material, perhaps for insulation. They are effective pollinators, gentle, and all around cute. You may find leaf cutter bees dwelling in your homemade mason bee home.
Where are the honeybees?
As indicated by their name, European honeybees are non-native to the Americas and can behave aggressively in the form of feral hives. Although they may not be listed as such, there is evidence that honeybees may act as an invasive species. Native bees are better pollinators for native species, and help keep our ecosystems thriving. Next time you see wildflowers, thank our native bees!
Can’t get enough?
You can read about Texas pollinators with greatest conservational need.
Learn more about the intimate relationship between orchids and their pollinators.
Want to get involved with Native bees? Join the Native Bee Network!
Perennial Ecology 
