Types Of Bees In Florida

The types of bees in Florida include both native and non-native bee species. There are over 315 types of bees that have been spotted in Florida. The different types also tend to be found concentrated in different parts of the state.

Types of Bees in Florida

If you live in Florida and are wondering which types of bees you will find in your state, this list will give you some ideas. Bees, as well as wasps, can be spotted frequently in different parts of Florida.

Bumblebees

One of the most common bees in Florida is the Bumblebees. This is one of the common honey bees in Florida.

The Florida Bumblebees are covered in soft hair which makes them appear and feel fuzzy. They also feed on nectar and use pollen to feed their young ones.

This bee species is often found at higher latitudes. They are also known to be gentle and do not form swarms like other bees and will only attack when truly provoked.

Bumblebees are good pollinators that form their nests close to the ground, in stone walls, under clumps of grass, in hollow trees and stumps.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees resemble Bumblebees but have shiny hairless abdomens. They dig holes in wood to rear their young ones.

Carpenter bees prefer weathered wood and unpainted wood for creating their nests. Because of where they choose to make nests, you will often find them in wooden areas.

The carpenter bees do not eat wood but destroy it by drilling circular holes to create tunnels inside the wood.

The bees don’t live in colonies. It’s important to note that this type of bee can sting and will survive after a sting. Check this post on the complete list of types of bees that sting.

Africanized Honey Bees

Africanized Honey bee is native to Africa in the Sub-Sahara. It has four life stages including egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.

A worker bee requires 21 days to develop from an egg, while the queen bee requires 16 days, and a drone bee requires 24 days. Check this post on the types of bees found in a hive.

Africanized Honey bees are one of the most dangerous bee species. They attack their threat in large numbers. They also tend to swarm more frequently compared to other types of species.

The African Honey Bees go further than other types of honey bees when collecting nectar, pollen, and water. The Africanized Honey Bee is also referred to as the Killer Bee.

They have great defensiveness even when in a resting swarm. Africanized Honey Bees make honey and the taste of the honey depends on the source of their nectar.

Final Thoughts

In Florida, bees are active most of the year. Most nests in well-drained soil that are sparsely vegetated, while others nest in trees, wood, or plants.

Many other types of bees can be spotted in Florida, but the ones listed above are the most common.

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