TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan is home to about 465 bee species, according to a first-ever census that scientists hope will provide information helpful for conserving the insects, which perform the vital chore of pollinating crops and wild plants.

The number might surprise people who can tell the difference between a honeybee and a bumblebee but not much else, scientists said Wednesday. In fact, there are about 4,000 bee species in the U.S., and some Western states have at least twice as many as Michigan does.

Yet Michigan's total is a bit higher than those recorded in some neighboring G...