How to identify different kinds of bees

Can you spy the pollen sacs on the bumble bee? (Credit: Lindsay Coulter)

Recently, I had the privilege of attending bee school. Well, not exactly but I met bee lovers/experts--Dr. Elizabeth Elle with Simon Fraser University and Dr. Cameron Cartiere with Border Free Bees.

I learned how to tell a bee from a wasp from a fly, AND defining characteristics of different types of bees.

Here are some tricks and tips to tell bees apart:

Bumble bees


Striped abdomen
Large, fuzzy body
Pollen sacs on thighs
Cute, males even have moustaches

Honey bee


Amber and black striped abdomen (versus yellow)
Long, narrow body
Pollen sacs on thighs
"Hairy" quality to the eyes


Hairy belly bee


Dark coloured abdomen and thorax
Round body
Pollen carried under belly
E.g., blue orchard mason bees, leaf cutter bees and resin bees


Mining bee


Dark abdomen and thorax
Pollen up entire leg not just the thigh (they wear pollen pants!)
They range a lot in size

How have you encouraged these types of bees to call your yard or garden home?

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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