InsectNet forum

New here, but was hoping to see if anyone could identify the insect in this picture. Almost looks like a hornet. Pictures could be better but I didn’t want to get to close to him. He’s probably close to an inch long.

No, it's a type of bumblebee and probably not aggressive although it can sting. Hornets look like oversized wasps, both have a very distinct 'waist' between thorax and abdomen, not like the bee in the photo.

You didn't say where you saw the bee, but I gather that you are probably in the USA. The approximate location is useful if you want someone to give a more accurate identification.

Adam.

There are 46 species of bumble bees in North America, your location is important for id, as well as more than just a side picture, males, females
and workers all can have different patterns of color, black, yellow, orange and white. There are a number of interesting documentaries about
bumble bees and what seems to me, a comprehensive guide printed in 2014.

Thanks guys, I live in North Texas, about 40 miles north of Dallas. Thanks for the tip for the future as well.