South Texas Bee Removal Library by 911 Honey Bee Removal beekeepers

How many types of bees are in Texas?
 
SAVE the Right Bees! 
Out of 20,000 bee species native to North America, more than 800 have been identified in Texas.
 

Texas is home to hundreds of bee species, including both native bees and those introduced from other places. Among these, the most well-known is the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), which is extensively managed for agriculture and honey production. However, Texas also supports a rich diversity of native bees, including various species of bumblebees, carpenter bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees, among others.
 

Some of the common and notable bee species found in Texas include:
 

1. Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) - The most common bee species used in pollination and honey production.

2. American Bumblebee (Bombus pensylvanicus) - Known for their significant size and important role in pollination.

3. Southern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa micans) - Recognizable by their large size and tendency to bore into wood.

4. Texas Bumblebee (Bombus texanus) - A species of bumblebee native to Texas and surrounding areas.

5. Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria) - A mason bee that is an effective pollinator of early spring flowers.

6. Leafcutter Bee (Megachile spp.) - Known for cutting circular pieces of leaves to construct their nests.

7. Squash Bee (Peponapis pruinosa) - Specializes in pollinating squash, pumpkin, and other cucurbits.

8. Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) - Similar to the Southern Carpenter Bee, it is found throughout Texas.

9. Green Sweat Bee (Agapostemon texanus) - Notable for its metallic green color.

10. Long-horned Bee (Melissodes spp.) - Named for the males' long antennae, important pollinators for many wildflowers.
     

This list is far from exhaustive, as Texas's diverse habitats support a wide range of bee species, each playing a crucial role in their ecosystems. The state's bee diversity reflects the importance of maintaining habitat diversity to support pollinator health and agricultural productivity. Conservation efforts are vital for the preservation of these species, many of which face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.