POLLINATOR INFORMATION
Hover over each photo to learn
more about the local pollinator
Bees
Click here for Bumble Bee Identification Guide
Click here for IL Bee Identification Guide
Click here for Bees seen around Illinois
Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
The Easten bumble bee is a very successful pollinator. They have been introduced in the western United States and overseas to help with crop harvests.
Rusty-patched Bumble Bee
Bombus affinis
The Rusty-patched bumble bee is on the endangered species list. They are thought to only be found in 0.1% of their historical range.
Brown-belted Bumble Bee
Bombus griseocollis
The brown-belted bumble bee builds its nest underground or on the surface. They are eusocial, so they live in colonies where the work is divided between the reproductive and non-reproductive castes.
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Honey bees pollinate over 100 different crops in the U.S. They perform a "waggle dance" as a way to share information with other bees on where the best food source is.
Carpenter Bee
Xylocopa virginica
Carpenter bees like to excavate holes in wood for shelter. Carpenter bees look just like bumble bees but have a shiny abdomen, instead of a fuzzy one like bumble bees.
Mason Bee
Genus: Osmia
Mason bees are one of the more popular species of bees used in bee keeping. They nest in pre-made holes in hollow stems or or holes in wood made by wood-burrowing insects.
Sweat Bee
Family: Halictidae
There are over 1,000 species of sweat bees in North America. They are known for their metallic colors. Sweat bees will pollinate almost every type of available flower.
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