Identify a Honey Bee
Many native and non-native insects may look similar to the inexperienced, but when you look closely they can be fairly easy to identify. Let's start with a look at a typical European Honey Bee and its common look-alikes.
European Honey Bee
Slender body, golden-brown and black stripes, and distinctly "hairy" thorax.
Wasp / Yellow Jacket
Smooth, shiny body with bright yellow and black patterns. Very narrow "waist".
Bumble Bee
Large, round, and very fuzzy. Known for their loud buzz and clumsy-looking flight.
Carpenter Bee
Similar to bumble bees but with a shiny, hairless black abdomen.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare the proportions and features of these insects to help with identification.
