How can you tell the difference between a wasp vs a bee? Use this guide to know whether it's a bee or wasp buzzing through the yard.
On This Page
Identifying Bees and Wasps
Wasps have slim bodies and narrow waists that connect thorax and abdomen. Bees have thick, rounded bodies with stripes. Check out more fascinating bumblebee facts, and learn how you can host mason bees with a bee house.
Look at the Wing Position
Two sets of wasp wings run parallel to the abdomen when folded down. Bees’ two sets of wings rest on top of the thorax (middle part of the body) when folded down.
These bee photos are un-bee-lievably cute!
How Many Legs Do Bees and Wasps Have?
Wasps have six long, skinny legs with several spines. Bees have six short, bulky legs that are flat, not rounded.
Learn how to tell the difference between bees and hoverflies.
Do Bees Die When They Sting?
The stinger stays with the wasp, meaning it can sting several times. A honey bee stinger stays in the victim, meaning the bee eventually dies. Other bees can sting multiple times.
Thread-waisted wasp: Harmful or helpful insects?
Do Wasps Pollinate Plants?
Bees have pollen-collecting hair on their bodies, and females also have hair on their legs and bellies. But both bees and wasps are pollinators that will visit backyard blooms to sip on sweet nectar.
Psst—try these natural ways to keep bees and wasps away from hummingbird feeders.
What Do Bees and Wasps Eat?
Bees often get blamed for the aggressive and annoying tactics of wasps. As strict nectar and pollen eaters, bees spend most of their time foraging at flowers—and on their best behavior. Wasps are predators that are always on the hunt for their next meal, whether its insects or the food at your barbecue.
Learn about the beneficial bees you want in your garden.
Sources
