Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem, playing a significant role in pollination which supports biodiversity and food production. Alberta is home to many native bee species, each with unique characteristics that distinguish them from one another. This comprehensive guide will help you identify various species of native bees, including Western honeybees, bumblebees, carpenter bees, mason bees, and more. Alongside bees, we will explore some similar insects like wasps and hoverflies, providing tips on attracting these beneficial pollinators to your garden and choosing the right mix of flowers. Understanding these species will not only enhance your appreciation for these tiny creatures but also support their conservation efforts. Let’s dive in!
Alberta’s Native Bees
Alberta is rich in bee diversity, with over 300 native species buzzing around its landscapes. These bees are vital for the pollination of native plants and agricultural crops, contributing to ecological balance and food security.
From Alberta’s native bees, you can expect a range of behaviors, nesting preferences, and appearances. By learning to identify these species, you can better understand their roles in the environment and support their conservation.
Western Honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Western honeybees, or Apis mellifera, are not native to North America but have been crucial in agricultural pollination. They can be identified by their golden-brown color with black bands across the abdomen. Their hives are complex structures where they store honey and pollen.
These bees are social and live in large colonies with a single queen, numerous workers, and drones. They are known for their “waggle dance,” a unique behavior that communicates the location of flowers to other bees in the colony.
Bumblebees (Genus: Bombus)
Bumblebees are larger than honeybees and have a distinctive fuzzy appearance. They are generally black and yellow, although some species may display orange or red bands. Bumblebees form small colonies, usually in abandoned rodent burrows or above ground in thick grass.
Bumblebees are excellent pollinators, particularly for crops requiring “buzz pollination,” where bees vibrate the flowers to release pollen. They are active in cooler temperatures and lower light levels, essential characteristics for early spring and late fall pollination.
Carpenter Bees (Genus: Xylocopa)
Carpenter bees resemble large bumblebees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen. They are named for their nesting behavior, in which they bore holes into wood to lay their eggs. This behavior can sometimes cause damage to wooden structures.
These bees are solitary; each female builds and cares for her nest without worker bees. Carpenter bees are important pollinators for many plants, despite their somewhat destructive nesting habits.
Mason Bees (Genus: Osmia)
Mason bees are small to medium-sized and typically metallic blue or green. They use mud, resin, or other materials to construct their nests in cavities, such as hollow reeds or holes in wood.
These solitary bees are highly efficient pollinators, especially for fruit trees. Because they do not store honey, mason bees are less aggressive and virtually harmless to humans. Their nesting habits make them easily attractable to bee hotels.
Leafcutter Bees (Genus: Megachile)
Leafcutter bees are known for their unique nesting behavior, where they cut circular pieces from leaves to build their nests. These bees are medium-sized and often have black bodies with pale bands.
Similar to mason bees, leafcutter bees are solitary and not aggressive. They are critical pollinators for wildflowers and garden plants. Providing suitable nesting sites like hollow reeds can attract them to your garden.
Blueberry Bees (Habropoda laboriosa, Southeastern Blueberry Bee)
The Southeastern blueberry bee, often found in Alabama and surrounding areas, is a vital pollinator for blueberries. This bee is similar in appearance to bumblebees but slightly smaller with a robust body and dense hair.
Active in early spring, these solitary bees prefer sandy soils for nesting. Providing a habitat that mimics their natural sandy environment can encourage their presence, benefiting blueberry crops and other early-blooming plants.
Squash Bees (Genera: Peponapis and Xenoglossa)
Squash bees are specialists, primarily pollinating squashes, pumpkins, and gourds. These medium-sized bees are robust and resemble honeybees, although they have longer antennae and a more pronounced body stripe pattern.
These bees nest in the ground, often near squash plants. They are efficient pollinators, outperforming honeybees for squash crops due to their early activity and preference for squash blossoms.
Sweat Bees (Various Genera)
Sweat bees are small and often metallic in color, ranging from green to blue to black. They are named for their attraction to human sweat, from which they obtain salt and moisture. Despite this odd behavior, they are non-aggressive and important pollinators.
Sweat bees can be solitary or semi-social, with some species forming small colonies. Their size and metallic sheen make them easy to distinguish from other bees.
Hoverflies (Family: Syrphidae)
Hoverflies, also known as flower flies, are often mistaken for bees due to their mimicry. They can hover in place, a behavior not seen in bees. Hoverflies have large, clear wings and bright, striped abdomens.
While they do not sting, hoverflies are beneficial as they pollinate flowers and control aphid populations with their larvae. Differentiating them from bees helps prevent unnecessary fear and highlights their ecological benefits.
Wasps (Suborder: Apocrita)
Wasps are often confused with bees but have narrower waists and less body hair. They vary in color from black and yellow to metallic blue. Wasps can be social or solitary, with many species displaying aggressive behavior when their nests are threatened.
Despite their fearsome reputation, wasps play a role in controlling pest populations. They are also pollinators, although less efficient than bees. Recognizing wasps from bees aids in managing and appreciating their unique role in the ecosystem.
Yellow Jackets (Genus: Vespula or Dolichovespula)
Yellow jackets are a type of wasp characterized by their black and yellow bands and aggressive behavior, especially in late summer. They build paper-like nests in cavities, such as abandoned rodent burrows or wall voids.
While they can be a nuisance at picnics and barbecues, yellow jackets are important predators of other insects. Identifying them correctly can help manage human interactions and respect their ecological role.
Paper Wasps (Family: Vespidae)
Paper wasps are easily recognizable by their slender bodies and long legs that hang down during flight. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests from paper-like material. They are generally less aggressive than yellow jackets.
Despite their mild nature, paper wasps will defend their nests if threatened. They primarily feed on nectar and other insects, contributing to both pollination and pest control.
Potter Wasps (Family: Vespidae)
Potter wasps are solitary wasps that build pot-shaped nests from mud. These nests are often attached to twigs, rocks, or eaves of buildings. Potter wasps can be identified by their smooth, slender bodies and distinctive nests.
These wasps are excellent predators of caterpillars and other pests. Their nonaggressive nature makes them beneficial to have in gardens where pest control is desired.
Hornets (Family: Vespidae)
Hornets are large wasps, with some species reaching up to 5.5 cm in length. They are recognized by their robust bodies, brown or black coloring with yellow or white markings, and potent sting. Hornets build large, paperlike nests often found in trees or under eaves.
Despite their intimidating appearance, hornets play a role in controlling insect populations. However, due to their aggressive defense of nests, it is important to distinguish them accurately and manage interactions carefully.
How to Attract Different Types of Bees
Attracting various bee species to your garden requires understanding their nesting preferences and food sources. Providing a mix of native flowers, nesting materials, and undisturbed ground areas can create a bee-friendly environment.
Utilizing bee hotels, leaving some ground bare for ground-nesting bees, and avoiding pesticides can further promote a thriving bee population. Each type of bee has specific needs, so tailoring your garden layout accordingly can yield a rich bee diversity.
How Do You Determine the Mix of Flowers to Plant?
To determine the best mix of flowers, it’s essential to consider the blooming periods and flower types that native bees prefer. Planting a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons will provide a steady food source throughout the year.
Native plant species are often best suited for local bees. Researching which plants thrive in your region and their attractiveness to specific bee species can help create an ideal forage environment. Consulting local gardening organizations or extension services can provide valuable guidance.
| Bee/Wasps | Identification | Nesting Habits | Pollination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Honeybees | Golden-brown, black bands | Large colonies, hives | Highly efficient |
| Bumblebees | Fuzzy, black/yellow | Small colonies, burrows | Excellent for buzz pollination |
| Carpenter Bees | Shiny, hairless abdomen | Wood boring, solitary | Important but can damage wood |
| Mason Bees | Metallic blue/green | Mud nests, solitary | Highly efficient |
| Leafcutter Bees | Black, pale bands | Leaf nests, solitary | Critical for wildflowers |
| Blueberry Bees | Small, robust | Ground nests, solitary | Specialist pollinators |
| Squash Bees | Similar to honeybees | Ground nests, near squash | Efficient for squashes |
| Sweat Bees | Small, metallic | Various, some social | Important and diverse |
| Hoverflies | Clear wings, striped abdomen | Larvae in decaying matter | Pollinators, aphid control |
| Wasps | Narrow waist, less hair | Varied, some aggressive | Pest control, some pollination |
| Yellow Jackets | Black/yellow bands | Paper nests, aggressive | Pest predators |
| Paper Wasps | Slim, long legs in flight | Umbrella nests, mild | Nectar and insect control |
| Potter Wasps | Smooth, slender | Mud nests, solitary | Caterpillar control |
| Hornets | Robust, black/yellow | Large paper nests | Pest control, aggressive |
