Numbers
9 spp. in 5 subgenera in our area, 400 spp. in 31 subgenera worldwide
(1)Identification
Carpenter bees have largely naked abdomens, separating them from bumble bees.
The wing marginal cell
is very long and thin; the 2nd submarginal cell tapers toward the body to an extreme point
(2)
Space between the mandible and the eye is short as compared to Bombus, which is much longer
(2)
Xylocopa
Bombus
Pollen is collected with widely spaced, stiff bristles compared to Bombus who carries pollen as a wet mass
(2)
Xylocopa
Bombus
Range
X. virginica widely eastern;
X. micans se. US; 3 spp. are western (
X. californica, X. varipunctata, X. tabaniformis(3))
Habitat
Found on flowers and about nest sites in woody plants.
Season
Early spring-late fall in temperate areas. Adults overwinter
Food
Visits a wide range of pollen and nectar sources. Well known as a nectar robber.
This genus pierces the base of tubular
Solanum and
Fouqueiria splendens flowers and suck up the nectar without contacting the stamens or stigma a the flower opening. They are short tongued and rob many plant species.
(4)Life Cycle
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.
See Also
Bumblebees -- Carpenter-mimic Leafcutter -- Giant Resin Bee -- Mexican Cactus Fly -- Mallota spp. -- Bee-like Robber Flies