Australian native bee library
In 2024, there were 1,649 described species of Australian native bee. This number is constantly changing as bees are discovered, described or redescribed.
Native Bee Library
Banded Amegilla by Merrick Bailey
Australian Native Bee Library
Australia is home to more than 2,000 species of native bees, which are vital to keeping Australia’s landscapes thriving. The Wheen Bee Foundation’s Native Bee Library raises awareness of these important pollinators and their critical role in protecting the environment.
The Native Bee Library will continue to grow in the coming months, shining a spotlight on even more of Australia’s remarkably diverse bees. Explore the new library to discover different species, their habitats and interesting facts about Australia’s native bees.
Australian Native Bees
Amegilla – Zonamegilla and Notomegilla
Amegilla cingulata is one of the most visually stunning bees, with a goldy thorax, and black with metallic blue bands on the abdomen.
Ctenocolletes smaragdinus
Ctenocolletes smaragdinus is a spectacularly beautiful bee, with a shiny metallic green body.
Lasioglossum
There are more than 300 species of Lasioglossum bees, spread across Australia.
Megachile
There are about 150 species of Megachile distributed throughout Australia, made up of two groups: leafcutter bee and resin bees.