European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

The European Honey Bee, also known as the Western Honey Bee, is highly recognizable and widely prevalent in Australia. With their distinct yellow and black striped abdomen, measuring approximately 15mm in length, they are a prominent and familiar species in the country.

Range/Location: European Honey Bees are primarily found in urban and rural areas across Australia, forming large colonies in hives.

Sting Potential: They are generally docile but will sting if they feel threatened.

Blue-banded Bee (Amegilla spp.)

The Blue-banded Bee is a native Australian species known for its distinctive metallic blue bands across its abdomen. These solitary bees measure approximately 12-14mm in length. They are commonly found in urban gardens, parks, and native vegetation areas throughout Australia.

Range/Location: They are commonly found in urban gardens, parks, and native vegetation areas throughout Australia.

Sting Potential: Unlike European Honey Bees, Blue-banded Bees are not aggressive and rarely sting, even when handled.

Reed Bee (Exoneura spp.)

Reed Bees are a diverse group of native Australian bees with over 170 known species. They vary in size, but most are around 5-10mm long. Reed Bees are solitary bees that prefer nesting in hollow plant stems or wood. They are commonly found across different habitats.

Range/Location: They are commonly found across different habitats, including forests, coastal areas, and suburban gardens.

Sting Potential: Reed Bees are generally docile and do not pose a significant threat to humans. They will only sting if directly provoked.

Teddy Bear Bee (Amegilla bombiformis)

The Teddy Bear Bee, also known as the Golden-haired Furrow Bee, is a native Australian species. These bees have a furry golden-brown thorax and a black abdomen measuring about 10-12mm in length. They are solitary bees that nest in burrows in the ground or decaying wood.

Range/Location: They can be found in various habitats, including coastal areas, woodlands, and urban gardens.

Sting Potential: While they rarely sting, Teddy Bear Bees may defend themselves if mishandled.

Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa spp.)

Carpenter Bees are large, robust bees with shiny black bodies, measuring around 15-25mm in length. They are commonly mistaken for bumblebees due to their size and appearance. Carpenter Bees, also called solitary bees, have a unique nesting habit as they make their homes in wood. These bees can build their nests in different types of wood, including timber structures and trees that have died.

Range/Location: They can be found across Australia, often in forested areas, woodlands, and gardens.

Sting Potential: Male Carpenter Bees do not sting, while females have the ability to sting but are not aggressive unless directly provoked.