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Minnesota Native Bees

A digital field guide illustrating the native bees of Minnesota

508

Species

164

Pollen Specialists

Genera

Families

New to Bees?

Learn some bee basics before diving into the Guide.

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Upcoming
Events

Learn about webinars, bee identification classes, and participatory science opportunities.

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Looking for a bee ID?

To get help with bee identifications, create a free iNaturalist or BugGuide account then upload your bee photo(s) to one of these sites. Experts will help you identify your bee. Once your bee is identified, visit this site to learn more about its natural history, nesting preferences, and conservation.

About Minnesota Native Bees

Minnesota Native Bees is a free online field guide dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of native bees, their diversity, natural history, and conservation.

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Common Backyard Bees

Start here to learn more about common bee species observed in yards and gardens.

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the Guide

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It's Not Easy
Being Green

Four genera of metallic green sweat bees occur in Minnesota. They can be difficult to tell apart, but with practice and clear photographs, these tips will help:

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Meet Minnesota's State Bee

Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Bombus affinis

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All About Bees

Learn about where bees nest, what they eat, their anatomy, sociality, and habitat. Explore bee myths, flower pollination, bee look-alikes, cuckoo bees, specialist bees, and more.

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