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Eastern Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa virginica

Published on Project Noah
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40.8733, -75.5975

Field Notes

Description:

Looks similar to the Common Eastern Bumblebee in size and color. This bee has an AMBUSH BUG (Phymatidae - 0.20 - .47 in.) as a friend in 3 of the photos. (Male) Thanks to Kristal for the correct identification.

Habitat:

Meadow in the Poconos.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (12)
KristalWatrous
In comparing this bee to your bumble bee photos, notice that this one's pile (fur) is a darker mustard-y yellow, and shorter. This bee's wings are also darkly tinted unlike the bumble bees, and held out to the side at more of an angle away from the body than the bumble bees usually do. Tricky little buggers, aren't they? :)
Carol Snow Milne
And then we have this bee! Wow, so confusing, but thanks Kristal. You are the resident expert. BEES are your BUZZINESS! HA!
Carol Snow Milne
I love my bee photos and The Great Pollinator Project is for the NYC area. I just found out a new bee has been discovered. And it is cool looking. Called the Lasioglossum gotham. Discovered in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Look it up on-line.
Carolina
Hi Carol! Remember the Great Pollinator Project mission is only for spottings from the NYC area :)
Carol Snow Milne
Thank you for your nice comments and the correct ID for the bee. Oh, the Ambush bug and its cameo appearance make the photo unique.
textless
I'm guessing the ambush bug sees the bee as a tasty snack, despite the size difference. Great photos!
Carol Snow Milne
Oh thanks so much Kristal. One of my favorites series, and want to get the correct bee information. Pretty sure golden rod.
KristalWatrous
This bee is actually an Eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_carpenter_bee) The darker wings and shiny black abdomen help to distinguish carpenter bees from bumble bees. You can tell this individual is a male by the pale yellow/cream clypeus (lower front of face). Nice photos!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Pollinating Insects of the World
Photographed
PublishedNovember 3, 2011

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