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Bombus auricomus male

Events

February

24-26

Best Practices for Pollinators Summit

Join us for three days of live presentations with a wealth of experts and topics on ecologically sound land practices that promote pollinators, climate resilience, clean water and lands. Summit topics provide practical knowledge and innovation on pesticide reduction, habitat installation, pollinator biology, ecologically sound land stewardship practices, wildlife conservation and more.

March

9-13

Cariveau Native Bee Lab Logo

The deadline to apply is January 26, 2026. Your application will be reviewed and you will receive an email with more information including a registration link by January 30, 2026.

Midwest Bee Genus Identification Workshop

University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are hosting a Midwest bee genus identification workshop. This five-day workshop that will be held at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is from March 9-13, 2026 and taught by Dr. Zach Portman. The cost will be $550. Reach out directly if the cost is a concern. 

Goals:

  • Be able to identify midwestern bees to genus and a select few to species

  • Learn about helpful resources and keys for bee identification

  • Basic understanding of bee classification, nomenclature, general bee morphology, and proper bee specimen curation 

Participatory Science Opportunities

iNaturalist Logo
Bumble Bee Atlas logo
Bumble Bee Atlas logo
UMN Nest Quest Logo
MN Bumble Bee Atlas logo
UMN Native Bee Atlas Logo

Explore Bee Families

AndrenaRubus.jpg

Andrenidae

4 genera, 112 species

Mining bees
AndrenaCalliopsis, Protandrena

Fairy bees Perdita

Apidae

15 genera, 133 species

Bumble bees Bombus

Longhorn bees
EpimelissodesEuceraMelissodes
 

Carpenter bees
CeratinaXylocopa

 

Honey bees Apis

 

Digger bees Anthophora
 

Cuckoo bees Brachymelecta, EpeolusHolcopasites, Nomada, Neolarra, Triepeolus  

Squash bees Xenoglossa

ColletesSalix.jpg

2 genera, 39 species

Cellophane (Plasterer) bees

Colletes
 

Masked (Yellow-faced) bees

Hylaeus

Halictidae

10 genera, 134 species

Metallic green sweat bees 
Agapostemon, Augochlora, Augochlorella, Augochloropsis

Large sweat bees
Dieunomia, Nomia
 

Short-faced bees Dufourea

 

Sweat bees Halictus

 

Small sweat bees Lasioglossum 
 

Cuckoo (blood) bees Sphecodes  

Megachilidae

14 genera, 86 species

Resin and pebble bees Anthidiellum, Dianthidium, Heriades, Paranthidium

Carder bees AnthidiumPseudoanthidium
 

Mock orange bees Chelostoma

 

Mason bees Osmia, Hoplitis

Leafcutter bees Megachile
 

Sharp-tailed cuckoo bees Coelioxys

 

Dark cuckoo bees Stelis 

MacropisProfilePhoto.jpg

1 genus, 3 species

Loosestrife oil bees Macropis

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