Bees and Beneficials

Notes and Photos for Beneficial Insects Observed in the Garden, Identified with iSeek App

Table Of Contents
  1. European Dronefly (Aristalis arbustorum)
  2. Striped Sweat Bee (genus Agapostemon)
  3. Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
  4. Thread-Waisted Wasp
  5. Golden Northern Bumble Bee (Bombus fervidus)
  6. Green Darner, Common (Anax junius)
  7. Tricolored Bumble Bee (Bombus ternarius)

European Dronefly (Aristalis arbustorum)

Also called the Plain-Faced Dronefly. This is a type of hoverfly that mimics the honey bee, but has no stinger. The adults feed on nectar. They can be quickly differentiated from bees because they have no “waist” and only one set of wings. Also, they fly somewhat similar to bees, but are able to hover almost motionless in the air. Their larvae are aquatic filter-feeders found in temporary ponds and swampy areas. (see Wikipedia)

Striped Sweat Bee (genus Agapostemon)

Considered valuable pollinators, they are metallic green-blue in color with a striped abdomen. About a 1/4″ to 1/2″ in size. They are in the Halictidae family. They are mostly solitary bees preferring nesting spots in rotting wood or ground burrows. They lay their eggs in the burrows and collect pollen for the developing larvae. This one was enjoying the pollen of a flowering kale going to seed. (see Wikipedia)

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Thread-Waisted Wasp

About an inch long. Parasitic on insects and spiders.

Golden Northern Bumble Bee (Bombus fervidus)

Green Darner, Common (Anax junius)

Tricolored Bumble Bee (Bombus ternarius)

Also called the Orange Belted Bumble Bee.