Comparison between bumble bees and carpenter bees.
A carpenter bee (lower center) surrounded by four different species of bumble bee. Note the absence of hair on the abdomen of the carpenter bee. Carpenter bees (family Xylocopidae) often resemble large bumble bees. These insects use their strong mandibles to excavate nesting holes in wood. They are often seen flying around old packing sheds or other wooden structures. Carpenter bees visit blueberry flowers, but they cut a hole near the base of the corolla and “steal” nectar. Because carpenter bees never make contact with the stigma, pollination is less likely to occur.
Reference:
Pollination. North Carolina State University Integrated Pest Management.
Contacts:
Natalie Hummel, LSU AgCenter
Krisanna Machtmes, LSU AgCenter