A bee is a flying insect with yellow and black stripes. But did you know there are some very dangerous types of black and white bees?
It’s true. Even though most bees aren’t mean and just want to do their job of pollinating plants, there are some species you should stay away from. You can tell which ones they are by the unique markings on their bodies.
Nature is pretty cool about providing danger signals to plants and animals. For instance, very poisonous frogs can be identified by their “danger” colors, like very bright red or blue. And the same is true with black and white bee identification.
Because these black and white bee species live in different parts of the country and are often mistaken for wasps and hornets of the same color, this guide can help you figure out which bees are harmful and which are helpful.
This full guide describes the different kinds of black and white bees, such as hornets and wasps, as well as their unique traits and behaviors.
Black bees with white tails are a sight to behold in summer gardens and fields. The contrasting colors make them stand out as they buzz from flower to flower. But there are a few different species of black and white bees to learn to identify.
The White-Tailed Bumblebee
The most well-known black bee with a white tail is the white-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lucorum) True to its name, this fuzzy bee has a primarily black body with two bright lemon-yellow bands across its abdomen and thorax The abdominal tip is an unmistakable snowy white color.
White-tailed bumblebees measure about 05 to 1 inch long The queens are on the larger side. They emerge early in spring to start new nests. Like all bumblebees, they form small colonies of up to 300 bees.
An easy way to identify the white-tailed bumblebee is by its two broad bands of yellow and, of course the white tail. This contrasts with the buff-tailed bumblebee that has dull yellow bands and a buff-colored posterior end.
The Ashy Mining Bee
Another black and white bee is the ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria). This little solitary bee grows to around 0.25 inches long. The small bee is covered in black and grayish-white hairs. It has a gray thorax and black abdomen without stripes.
The ashy mining bee makes nests by burrowing tunnels in the ground or sandy banks. Watch for these bees flying low to the ground in search of potential nest sites. They prefer coastal areas, meadows, and gardens.
The Chimney Bee
The chimney bee (Anthophora abrupta) is one of the digger bees in the Anthophorini tribe. These robust bees have black and yellow banded abdomens and thoraxes covered in pale furry hairs.
An identifying feature of the chimney bee is the mud chimneys it builds at the entrance to its underground nests. The furry black and yellow bee earned its name from this chimney-like nest entrance.
Identifying White-Tailed Bees
Here are a few tips to tell black bees with white tails apart:
- Look for yellow bands – these indicate white-tailed bumblebees
- Check the length – ashy mining bees are small, around 1/4″ long
- Look for nest mud chimneys – these signify chimney bees
- Note fuzzy thoraxes – digger bees have furry thoraxes
- Watch flight patterns – mining bees fly close to the ground
Proper identification will help you know if you have docile pollinating bees or more aggressive stinging wasps in your garden. Avoid swatting at bees with white tails to prevent stings and appreciate the presence of these beneficial pollinators.
Are Black and White Bees Dangerous?
Compared to other bees, the black and white species are more docile. They still have a stinger to protect themselves, but they don’t usually attack people unless they have a good reason, like when they think their lives are in danger.
They love being isolated from the rest of the world and rarely come across people. However, they keep their painful sting to protect themselves when you annoy them. The bite is deadly because it can cause allergic reactions.
What Is the Black and White Hornet?
It is very important to know how to identify a black and white hornet because it is one of the deadliest wasps in the Dolichovespula genus. It has a black body, an almost white face, and ivory marks on the abdomen.
These markings explain why the hornet is also called the Bald-Faced Wasp and White-Tailed Hornet.
It is a bigger type of wasp; adults can be up to 25 mm long, which is twice as long as their cousin, the Yellowjacket. It also has white dots on its head, a flat head with a cylindrical thorax and an ovate abdomen, and eyes that are joined together.
Its name comes from its huge size, bald head, and aggressive behavior that looks like a hornet. The Black and White Wasp is not really a hornet. 1. These hornets are social wasps that live in round nests that look like wrapped paper and can be found on different kinds of trees.
They also nest on buildings, making them a grave danger to nearby people. They are territorial about their homes and will relentlessly defend themselves from anyone by stinging several times.
They inhabit natural habitats in the US and Canada but mostly in southeastern forests.
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