9 Black and White Bees Species In North & South America (With Identification)

Fascination has no end in this world. Anyone can get fascinated with the mind-blowing elements present on Earth. It can be anything you see in the surroundings.

Similarly, a bee buzzing around your head can be quite annoying. It is a matter of the moment whether you choose to stay away from the bees or with patience you see them buzzing around.

Most commonly everybody can recognize a honey bee easily. Throughout 20,000 species of bees; there is a huge difference visible among them like black and white bees. You can differentiate them based on their color combination, their speed, and more. 

There are many species of bees showcasing a beautiful black-and-white color combination on their bodies. You will be mesmerized by seeing them buzzing over your head or near your ears.

Do you also want to discover different black and white bees specifically buzzing in America? Let’s get into this article to uncover many in the world.

9 Black And White Bee Species 

1) California Digger Cuckoo Bee

California Digger Cuckoo Bee
California Digger Cuckoo Bee | Credit: ncb1221 (@inaturalist)
Scientific Name Anthophora Californica/ Brachymelecta californica
Identification Integumental white bands in the abdomen
Location Central and North America

Might be intimidated by the name? California Digger bees are parasitic bees that show crazy visuals throughout their body.

The black and white colored body with greyish-green eyes can make anyone feel scared a bit. Though this bee is commonly seen in America. Moreover, they are more like a living parasite instead of a bee.


2) Bellflower Resin Bee

Bellflower Resin Bee
Bellflower Resin Bee | Credit: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab (@flickr)
Scientific Name Megachile Campanulae
Identification Smallest and least hairy
Location Eastern North America

Can you imagine a bee that can make a nest exist? Bellflower resin bees are the masters behind building their residences with their utmost skills.

This bee is the one that makes it best with synthetic material found in nearby places. Moreover, bellflower resin bees collect mid and pebbles along with the dried tree barks and branches to build their nest.

They are small in size and covered with a sequential pattern of black and white stripes along with thin legs.


3) Broad-Footed Cellophane Bee

Scientific Name Colletes Latitarsis
Identification Grayish coat of hair and a white band on the abdomen
Location North America

A Cellophane bee is a hairy bee that resembles much similar to a hairy fly. This bee showcases a beautiful body coloration with a pattern of black and white stripes along with hairs all over its body.

This bee might seem to be harmful but eventually, if you provoke them, they will sting you. Cellophane bees are easily distinguished as compared to similar bees by their size and hairs.


4) Verbesina Longhorn Cuckoo

Scientific Name Triepeolus Verbesina
Identification Large body
Location Central and North America

Black and white coloured bees are uncommon but the beauty they carry is very rare and unusual.

The Verbesina Longhorn cuckoo bee is on the list showcasing a dotted pattern on their body with vertical dotted patterns on their lower abdomen.

Verbesina Cuckoo Bee isn’t aggressive but can sting anyone if threatened. Although they are placed in the category of bees due to the characteristics they have, they resemble more of a wasp.


5) Spine Shouldered Cellophane Bee

Spine Shouldered Cellophane Bee
Spine Shouldered Cellophane Bee | Credit: Amy Schnebelin (@inaturalist)
Scientific Name Colletes simulans ssp. armatus
Identification Long Spines
Location North America

Amongst the black and white bees found in America, the shouldered Cellophane Bee is the most unique species you can ever see.

The entire body of this bee is divided into two portions that depict different body patterns. The upper body part is completely black whereas the lower abdomen shows black and white stripes.

Their legs also carry a beautiful combination of black and white color that makes them stand out amongst other similar bees.


6) Morning Glory Turret Bee

Scientific Name Melitoma Taurea
Identification Large body size
Location Eastern North America

Like the name Glory, this cheerful species of bees is truly a beauty in disguise. This bee is an expert in pollination.

One of the unique things about these bee species is that they build their nest under the ground to keep themselves and their surroundings secure. If anyone tries to provoke them, they will sting at the moment.

They are much more similar to the broad-footed cellophane bee because of the presence of hairs all over their body. Also, the black and white stripes cover the entire body perfectly.


7) Nason’s Mining Bee

Scientific Name Adrena Nasonii
Identification Small Grayish Haired Species
Location Central America and North America

Can you ever think of a bee/insect that can resemble a housefly but in a bigger size? Nason’s Mining bee is another species of bee that carries a beautiful body pattern of black and white stripes running throughout its entire body.

This species of bees comes under the category of non-aggressive bees but if anyone provokes them, they will sting for sure.


8) Red-Footed Cuckoo Leafcutter

Red-Footed Cuckoo Leafcutter
Red-Footed Cuckoo Leafcutter | Credit: Megan Blackmore (@inaturalist)
Scientific Name Coelioxys Rufitarsis
Identification Red legs
Location South America

Parasitic bees are common these days. A lot more species have been discovered that are living parasites.

Likewise, many other parasitic bees are found in different areas of the world, this species is commonly discovered in America. The name red footed is given due to the presence of red foot in their body.

Moreover, they showcase a beautiful body pattern that is covered with black and white stripes running equally.


9) Pugnacious Leafcutter Bee

Scientific Name Megachile Pugnata
Identification Large Mandibles
Location North America

A magnificent species of bees that carry outsized mandibles gives beautiful black and white striped body hues.

Although, they slightly show yellow color too it completely depends upon their surroundings. This bee comes with a remarkable feature that can never be left unidentified easily.


Conclusion

The world of insects is diverse. Every insect carries a wide range of species that can pull out every single detail about the insect. The same goes with bees, an elusive observing nature can help us identify many under-covered species. Just a proper understanding of them is required.

In this article, we have covered black and white bees that are entirely found in different regions of America. Hope this insightful article helps you. We will be back with another article soon. Till then, stay tuned with us.


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