




Xylocopa virginica
The Eastern Carpenter Bee is a big, fuzzy bee that loves to make holes in wood. They are important for helping flowers grow by spreading pollen as they visit them.
Habitat: Urban areas
The Eastern Carpenter Bee is a large, robust bee with a shiny, hairless black abdomen and a fuzzy yellow and black thorax. It has dark, iridescent wings and may have yellow markings on its head, especially in males, which helps distinguish it from the hairier abdomen of a bumblebee.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Baby carpenter bees eat a special mixture of pollen and nectar!
Male carpenter bees have a distinct yellow patch on their face!
They often return to the same wooden tunnels year after year!
You can hear a unique buzzing sound when they tunnel into wood!
Eastern Carpenter Bee can vibrate flowers at high frequencies that helps release pollen for plant fertilization.
Eastern Carpenter Bee males can hover aggressively to deter threats that helps them protect their nesting territories.
Eastern Carpenter Bee females can deliver a painful sting because of their barbed stinger that helps them defend their nest.
They drink sweet nectar for energy and collect pollen to feed their babies.
Passiflora incarnata
They visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

Dendrocopos pubescens
Woodpeckers dig into wood to find their larvae.
Chaetodactylus krombeini
These mites hitchhike on bees to new nests.
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a bee, it's best to stay calm and not swat at it. They usually won't bother you.
30-50 mm
16-24 mm
60-120 days
18 km/h
They drink sweet nectar for energy and collect pollen to feed their babies.
Urban areas
Foraging
6
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Massachusetts, US
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
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Virginia, US
You might spot Red Maple, Spotted Lanternfly, and Northern Cardinal.
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District of Columbia, US
You might spot Duck, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and European Starling.
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Virginia, US
You might spot Eastern Skunk Cabbage, Mayapple, and Lesser Celandine.
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Virginia, US
You might spot American Tuliptree and House Sparrow.
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Massachusetts, US
You might spot American Robin and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
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