Species of Texas Hornets, Bees, and Wasps
Leafcutter bees
Texas has many leafcutter bee species. These bees make distinctive nests. Solitary leafcutter bees. A female will dig a burrow after mating.
Mason bees
Mason bee nests are mud. In tree or reed holes, they build mud egg chambers. Gardeners can buy Mason bee houses. Glued-together wooden tubes make them.
Mining Bees
Miner bees are widespread in Texas and North America. These lonely bees nest in clay. Females nest close together in chimney-like tunnels.
Squash Bees
Only squash blooms attract bees. Canada to South America, squash grows bees. Male squash bees spend mornings amid squash flowers. He rests in flowers after mating.
European Honeybee
European honeybees aren't native to Texas, although they're widespread. Captive-bred by generations of Americans. Beekeepers rent hives.
Bald-faced Hornet
The only hornet in Texas is the bald-faced hornet, which is actually a yellow jacket. Their lack of yellow and white facial markings make them appear bald.
Mexican Honey wasps
Honey wasps in southern Texas and Mexico. They make paper-like nests in trees and bushes. They may manufacture and store their own honey, a delicacy in Mexico.
Mud Daubers
Texas has mud daubers. Saliva and wood make nests. They catch, sting, and egg-chamber a spider. Mud daubers devour spiders before hatching.
Texas Paper Wasp
It lays 200 eggs. End of season, females lay female and male eggs. After hatching, females mate and establish new nests.