How many species of bees are in Virginia?

There are about 450 species of bees native to the United States, about 150 of which can be found in Virginia.

How do I identify my bees?

Identify the body shape of the insect. The easiest way to differentiate a honey bee from other types of bees or wasps is to look at the shape of their thorax and abdomen. Honey bees have a distinctive barrel-shaped body and don’t have a thin middle section between the thorax and abdomen like other insects.

What bees nest in the ground in Virginia?

ANDRENID BEES: One of the first bees in the spring is often this ground nesting bee. Also known as mining bees, they will nest in the ground sometimes in large numbers. Although solitary, they nest near other Andrenid bees when they find suitable soil.

What are 5 types of bees?

The insects described below represent groups of insects, of which there are many varieties.

• Western honeybees (Apis mellifera)
• Bumblebees (genus: Bombus)
• Carpenter bees (genus: Xylocopa)
• Mason bees (genus: Osmia)
• Leafcutter bees (genus: Megachile)
• Blueberry bees (Habropoda laboriosa, Southeastern blueberry bee)

Do mason bees live in Virginia?

Virginia has dozens of species of solitary bees, including different kinds of mason bees and leafcutter bees, which use small cavities to construct nests made of mud or leaves.

What is the largest hornet in Virginia?

Vespa crabro

• European hornet is a large hornet typically 1 inch (2.54cm) long.
• Generalist predator, does not pose a major threat to honeybees.
• This species occurs in Virginia and can be easily mistaken for the Asian giant hornet.
• For more information check out our Extension fact sheet on the European Hornet found here.

Is there a bee that looks like a wasp?

Hoverfly (Syrphidae) The larger species are often brightly coloured and very common. Many of these have ornate body patterns, often of black and yellow, said to mimic wasps and bees. However, they are harmless and do not sting.

Are killer bees in Virginia?

Killer bees, the domestic honeybee’s angry cousins, have invaded Virginia. It was the first time the bees had been found in Virginia. Officials believe they got rid of all the Africanized bees by dousing the hive with gasoline, and they insist there is little chance that the species will be a threat in the future.

When should you put out a mason bee house?

Put your house out when the blossoms are starting to swell and the chance of frost is low. For Blue Orchard Mason Bees and other spring time bees this is when the temperature exceeds 50*consistently. Bees will emerge 1-14 days after warming up.