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COMMON NAME: SCIENTIFIC NAME: CLASS/ORDER/FAMILY: METAMOPHOSIS: |
Carpenter Bees Xylocopa spp. Insecta/Hymenoptera/Anthophoridae Complete |
INTRODUCTION. Carpenter bees get their common name from their habit of boring into wood to make galleries for the rearing of young. These are worldwide in distribution with 7 species occurring in the United States.
RECOGNITION. Adult body length about 1/2-1" (12.5-25 mm); robust in form, resembling bumble bees, but with top surface of abdomen largely bare and shining. Hind tibiae with apical spurs. Front wing 2nd submarginal cell triangular; hind wing with a small jugal lobe (lobe on rear margin near body).
HABITS. Females of the carpenter bee (X. virginica) will nest in a wide range of woods, but prefer weathered and unpainted wood. Valley carpenter beens prefer partially decayed live oak, deciduous oak, eucalyptus, and other hardwoods. The California carpenter bee nests in incense cedar and redwoods. The mountain carpenter bee is recorded as nesting in structural timbers.
Male carpenter beens tend to be territorial and often become aggressive when humans approach, sometimes hovering a short distance in front of the face or buzzing one's head. Since males have no stinger, these actions are merely show. However, the female does have a potent sting which is rarely used.
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