Large Bee - Xylocopa varipuncta

Moved

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 21 August, 2006 - 7:16am

Xylocopa varipunctata

not X. californica! I suggest to move these photos to the appropriate page to avoid confusion! But wonderful photos of a male! I have yet to see these guys holding still long enough for me to get that good a picture.
I agree with Chuck Entz. X. californica males are dark (metallic blue) like the females, but a bit smaller, and with a yellow face. For reference, see Charles Hogue's book here: (1). I've also seen specimen at the UC Entomology Research Museum, Riverside.

Of the three species of Xylocopa in Southern California, only X. varipunctata's males are 'blond'. As far as common names are concerned, this is the Valley Carpenter Bee, so you've got the common name right.

… Hartmut Wisch, 20 August, 2006 - 8:22pm

X. varipunctata's male

I have observed the males in Albuquerque, NM near the Rio Grande in April 2009. As you said never sat still long enough to get a photo.

… ezra mann, 4 May, 2009 - 3:01pm

Valley Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa californica) - male

An unmistakable Western bee, whose color and proportions are quite peculiar. The black female has much less special features.

… Richard Vernier, 30 May, 2006 - 5:19am

I'm confused...

Isn't Xylocopa varipunctata the one with the light-colored males? It seems odd that the most visible and distinctive species in California isn't the one named californica, but that's the way I learned it.

… Chuck Entz, 5 June, 2006 - 12:15am

Moved to guide

thanks, Richard for the ID. This are some stunning shots of this handsome bee.

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 30 May, 2006 - 11:39am

Thanks for the ID

Thanks Guys . That's cool my pic's will be in the guide.

Joey

… jra111, 30 May, 2006 - 11:54am