Genus Xylocopa - Large Carpenter Bees

Carpenter Bees

Xylocopa Latreille 1802

Greek xylon 'wood' + -kopos 'cut'(1)(2)

9 spp. in 5 subgenera in our area, 400 spp. in 31 subgenera worldwide(3)

12-26 mm

Carpenter bees have largely naked abdomens, separating them from bumble bees

worldwide (map)(3)

X. virginica widely eastern; X. micans se. US; 3 spp. are western (X. californica, X. varipunctata, X. tabaniformis(4))

Found on flowers and about nest sites in woody plants.

Early spring-late fall in temperate areas. Adults overwinter

Visits a wide range of pollen and nectar sources. Well known as a nectar robber.

Burrow into wood, forming a series of chambers, typically 6-8. Each is provisioned with pollen (mixed with regurgitated nectar), a single egg is laid, and then capped with a disk of wood pulp. Chamber is sealed and adult does not return. Adults also reported to use abandoned tunnels and other cavities to store pollen before hibernation. Usually one generation per year, but may be two in south.

Bumblebees -- Carpenter-mimic Leafcutter -- Giant Resin Bee -- Mexican Cactus Fly

Fact sheets by E.E. Grissell(5) (FL spp.), W. Ebeling (western spp.)