Learn about the different types of tiny bees and their distinct features in this short yet informative article!
When we think of bees, the image of a standard honeybee comes to mind. However, the world of bees is much more diverse, especially when it comes to tiny bees. Read on to learn more about these tiny creatures.
Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous? Find Out in this post
Types of Tiny Bees
1. Sweat Bee
Scientific Name: Halictidae
A member of the Halictidae family, sweat bees are an extremely diverse group of metallic to non-metallic bees that are 1/4 to 3/4 inches in size. These tiny creatures are often attracted to human sweat.
2. Perdita minima Bee
Scientific Name: Perdita minima
Native to Southwestern United States, Perdita minima are solitary bees that are slightly less than two millimeters long. It consumes the nectar and pollen of wildflowers.
3. Miner Bee
Scientific Name:Â Anthophora abrupta
Anthophora abrupta are often mistaken for bumble bees due to their similar appearance. These solitary 14.5-17 mm long ground-nesters dig tunnels in the soil to lay their eggs.
4. Orchard Mason Bee
Scientific Name: Osmia lignaria
Native to the Western US and Canada, mason bees are small-sized, early pollinators that are non-aggressive in nature. Their dark-colored bodies, with a metallic sheen, make them easy to spot in gardens.
5. Small Carpenter Bees
Scientific Name: Ceratina dupla
Belongs to the Apidae family, Ceratina dupla has a dark body with a length of 6 to 8 mm. It loves to feed on the pollen and nectar of sheep fleabane, and bantam buttons, flowers.
6. Eight-spotted Miner Bee
Scientific Name:Â Perdita octomaculata
Also known as eight-spotted perdita, this small-sized bee is a member of the Andrenidae family. Perdita octomaculata is a common sight in North America.
7. Large Headed Resin Bee
Scientific Name:Â Heriades truncorum
Large Headed Resin Bee is a solitary bee species that is 6–8 mm long with terminal white hair bands on the abdomen. This bee creates its nest from resin.
8. Pickerelweed Shortface
Scientific Name:Â Dufourea novaeangliae
A resident of the Eastern U.S., Dufourea novaeangliae is a solitary ground-nesting bee that only feeds on the Pickerelweed, hence the name. Its nests are often found in sandy soil near ponds and streams.
Learn How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees with Vinegar