Large Carpenter Bees
ExploreInsects
Large Carpenter Bees
xylocopa
Large Carpenter Bees are amazing insects that love to buzz around flowers! They are known for their big, fuzzy bodies and the important role they play in pollinating plants.
Habitat: Large Carpenter Bees are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas with plenty of flowering plants.
Appearance
The Large Carpenter Bees is a big, robust bee, often with a shiny, hairless black or metallic blue-black abdomen. Its thorax is usually covered in dense yellow or orange hairs, contrasting with its smooth body. This bee is visually distinct from bumblebees due to its smooth, often iridescent abdomen.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusXylocopa
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Carpenter bees make 'bee bread' from pollen and nectar to feed their young!
Male carpenter bees have a yellow patch on their face and cannot sting!
Some flowers only release pollen when a carpenter bee vibrates them loudly!
They tunnel deep into wood, creating homes several feet long for their young!
Special abilities
Ability
Buzz Pollinator
Large Carpenter Bees can vibrate their flight muscles rapidly because this helps them release pollen from certain flowers.
Ability
Nectar Robber
Large Carpenter Bees can cut a hole at the base of flowers because this helps them access nectar without pollinating.
Ability
Powerful Flyer
Large Carpenter Bees has powerful wings that help them carry heavy loads of pollen and nectar over long distances.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-50 mm
- Size
- 15-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 300-400 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Carpenter bees drink nectar for energy and collect pollen to feed their babies.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Pollen
- Flower sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
pollinates
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Spreads pollen for fruit.
pollinates
Wisteria
Wisteria sinensis
Helps these flowering vines reproduce.
eaten by
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
Feeds on larvae in wood nests.
eaten by
Praying Mantis
Mantis religiosa
Preys on adult bees in gardens.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Carpenter BeesGiant BeesWood Bees
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always observe bees from a distance to avoid getting stung.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Large Carpenter Bees's wingspan?
30-50 mm
How big is Large Carpenter Bees?
15-25 mm
How long does Large Carpenter Bees live?
300-400 days
How fast can Large Carpenter Bees fly?
15 km/h
What does Large Carpenter Bees eat?
Carpenter bees drink nectar for energy and collect pollen to feed their babies.
Where is Large Carpenter Bees usually found?
Large Carpenter Bees are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas with plenty of flowering plants.
How does Large Carpenter Bees hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Large Carpenter Bees have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
_Sweden.jpg&width=800)
