Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Parasitic wasps (in the order Hymenoptera) provide beneficial services in gardens and landscapes.

Paper wasps are commonly found in Maryland and are often confused with yellowjackets.

Ladybugs or ladybird beetles are beneficial insects in a garden because they eat pests.

Aphid parasitoids are very tiny wasps that lay their eggs in aphids.

Mining bees in Lawns

Honey bees are non-native bees that are used for pollination and production of honey and wax. They are social insects that live in large colonies. They will only sting to defend themselves. 

Bumble bees are important pollinators that feed on nectar and pollen. They very rarely sting.

Carpenter bees are the largest native bees in the United States and they are effective pollinators.

Cellophane bees are important pollinators of plants and they are not aggressive/defensive.

Giant resin bees are an introduced species and are native to parts of Asia.