Bees, Wasps & Ants

Identify common bees, wasps & ants with photos, safety information and tips. 14 species in this guide.

Eastern black carpenter antCamponotus pennsylvanicus
Bites and formic acid

Red imported fire antSolenopsis invicta
Painful sting

Western honey beeApis mellifera
Stinging insect

Common eastern bumble beeBombus impatiens
Can sting

Buff-tailed bumblebeeBombus terrestris
Can sting

Eastern carpenter beeXylocopa virginica
Can sting

Common waspVespula vulgaris
Painful sting

Eastern yellowjacketVespula maculifrons
Stinging wasp

European hornetVespa crabro
Painful sting

Northern giant hornetVespa mandarinia
Dangerous sting

Bald-faced hornetDolichovespula maculata
Painful sting

Eastern cicada killerSphecius speciosus
Painful sting

Red velvet antDasymutilla occidentalis
Painful sting

European paper waspPolistes dominula
Painful sting