Identification guide

Meet the eight groups

You don’t need to name the species. Just decide which of these eight groups each visitor belongs to.

Counting tip

Not sure? Flies have big eyes and short antennae; bees and wasps have long antennae and a more defined waist.

Bumble Bees

Large, round, and fuzzy. Slow, loud fliers with black-and-yellow bands. View this group →

Carpenter Bees

Robust with a shiny, hairless black abdomen. Often hover near wood. View this group →

Honey Bees

Slender, amber-and-brown, with pollen baskets on the hind legs. View this group →

Small Bees

Tiny native bees — sweat bees and others under a half-inch long. View this group →

Wasps

Narrow waist, smooth body, often with bright yellow markings. View this group →

Flies

Two wings, big eyes, short antennae. Many mimic bees and wasps. View this group →

Butterflies & Moths

Broad scaled wings and a coiled tongue. Day or dusk visitors. View this group →

Other Insects

Beetles, true bugs, and anything else that stops to visit a bloom. View this group →