Carpenter bee
Carpenter bees are a group of bees in the genus Xylocopa, with about 400 species found in many parts of the world.
Carpenter bees are large bees in the genus Xylocopa, found worldwide. They are known for nesting in wood and are important native pollinators.
What it is
Carpenter bees are bees in the genus Xylocopa, with about 400 species worldwide. They are often mistaken for bumble bees but have shiny, hairless abdomens. They are not aggressive and males cannot sting.
Why it matters
Carpenter bees are important native pollinators. They feed on nectar and pollen, and perform buzz pollination that helps release pollen from certain flowers. They pollinate wild plants and some crops.
Key details
Females excavate tunnels in dead or untreated wood to lay eggs. They do not eat the wood. Their nesting can damage wooden structures like eaves, siding, and decks. They are usually not aggressive and stings are rare.
In short
- Carpenter bees are bees in the genus Xylocopa, with about 400 species.
- They do not eat wood, but excavate tunnels for nesting.
- They are important native pollinators.
- They are generally not aggressive and males cannot sting.
Carpenter bees occur in North America, including parts of Canada, where they are relevant as native pollinators and occasional structural pests in wooden buildings and outdoor structures.
Quick questions
What is a carpenter bee?
Do carpenter bees eat wood?
Are carpenter bees pollinators?
Sources
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/carpenter-beeSupports: Genus Xylocopa, approximate number of species, distribution, feeding, nesting, and general behaviour.
- University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/carpenter-beesSupports: Native bee status, pollinator role, non-aggressive behaviour, wood is not eaten, and nesting in wood.
- Ohio State University Extension — https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-2074Supports: Common name origin, wood excavation for nesting, diet, pollination, and genus Xylocopa.
- University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/meet-pollinator-carpenter-beeSupports: Identification, life history, overwintering, buzz pollination, and common nesting sites.
- University of Kentucky Entomology — https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef611Supports: Control/prevention, nesting in wood, painted wood deterrence, and structure damage.
- United States Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/carpenter_bees.shtmlSupports: Large native bee status and broad habitat/distribution in North America.