Safety note: Honey bees sting when threatened.
The Western Honey Bee is a managed species introduced from Europe, now the world's primary commercial pollinator. Lives in large colonies with a complex social structure. Produces honey to survive winter.
Habitat
Nearly every habitat where flowers bloom; nests in cavities
Diet
Pollen and nectar from a broad range of flowers
How common
Common
Best time to see a Western Honey Bee
The best time to see a Western Honey Bee is March–August, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 363,511 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Not certain it is a Western Honey Bee? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Often confused with
Recent Western Honey Bee sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Western Honey Bee?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states