Furry Golden Brown/Orange Bumblebee-Like Bug - Xylocopa sonorina

Likely identification: Mal

Likely identification:

Male Xylocopa varipuncta

California Valley Carpenter Bee or the Teddy Bear Bee

Females are black.

… Oban, 2 August, 2023 - 4:25pm

I saw an orange looking bee

I wish I knew what it was

… Cassiafernandes26, 20 July, 2023 - 11:51am

Furry Golden Brown/Orange Bumblebee-Like Bug - Xylocopa sonorina

I live in Safford Arizona and just found one of these beautiful Bumblebees in my yard. Unfortunately, it has expired. A spectacular specimen nonetheless.

… mellissa donaldson, 2 July, 2021 - 12:52pm

Golden Bumble or Carpenter bee ? Geometric flight pattern?

The behavior of flying about in a sort of geometric shaped pattern in one area I read may 'bee' that it is a male hovering over a nest waiting for the fertile females to emerge. https://www.orkin.com/stinging-pests/bees/bumblebees

Gorgeous and very charming bees and I was glad to find that the behavior was not due to being disorientated or the loss of a nest!

… Kirsten Dahl, 23 May, 2020 - 1:16am

Furry Orange Bumblebee

May 2-2020 10:00 am Burbank, CA. Spotted this imposing stranger taking a rest on a Calla Lily. A new treat in a constantly surprising and delightful garden!

… KatinkaDigs, 2 May, 2020 - 12:36pm

Furry Brown Bumble Bee

During the national crisis of Covid19, I have been self isolating at my home. On April 14,2020, at approximately 4:30 PM, Orangevale, Ca. I was working in my yard and notice 3 Golden (Honey/Carmel looking) Bumble Bees. (Note: Throughout my entire life and into retirement, I have never seen this type of bumble Bee). I was planting Lantana and suddenly I heard a buzzing sound and observed all 3 swarming around me. Needless to say, I got out of their way, stood back and observed. All 3 made quick momentary movements and at times hovering in place and as if they (Bees) were looking in my direction. After about 20 minutes all 3 bees departed but returned 10 minutes later. Eventually they (bees) headed west and I was able to resume planting Lantana.

… Wayne G., 15 April, 2020 - 2:09am

another N Cali sighting

There are a few of these guys hovering around our yard in the San Carlos Hills. Guess they're moving north!

… ambushbug, 4 May, 2016 - 7:21pm

Spotted buzzing around roses in Menlo Park April 16, 2016

Observed hovering around roses and other flowering plants in our front yard around dusk. Very unusual color and huge (1.5 inches). Menlo Oaks is in unincorporated San Mateo County and our address is Menlo Park! So it must be the same family of bees. We took a photo.

… Pinouille, 17 April, 2016 - 9:15pm

Spotted in Menlo Park, CA today

Perfect description of what I saw at twilight today! I was mesmerized, wondered if I should roll up the car windows. It was loud, seemed to hover then move like an alien spaceship in a movie. Wow!

… Lightraes, 7 April, 2016 - 1:03am

Spotted one!

August 15, 2015 in Menlo Park CA garden. Charming little fellow was conspicuously navigating such a precise pattern about blooming tomato plants in the sunset, I just had to watch. The brilliant eyes and reflective golden hairs were georgeous. Memorable.

… rwidebrook, 17 August, 2015 - 10:05pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… John S. Ascher, 8 May, 2012 - 8:09am

probably

… Edna Woodward, 8 May, 2012 - 12:40am

Thanks!

Looking through the sample photos of the males, it definitely looks like a match to me.

… Aaron Kiely, 8 May, 2012 - 12:48am