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Valley Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa varipuncta

Photo by Ava T-B
Published on Project Noah
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32.7228, -117.112

Field Notes

Description:

This is a 2cm black bee (I think). It's interested in flowers of a Palo Verde tree.

Reference Links:

Xylocopa varipuncta

Species ID Suggestions

Valley Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa varipuncta

Reference Link
CindyBinghamKeiser
1

Comments (4)
HemaShah
Males are very gentle ,playful and beautiful. you won't miss it ,if you saw one. It is fairly large in size.
Ava T-B
Cindy, i do think you're right about this bee, but is it weird that I've never seen a male? Maybe they feed on something different so the sexes don't compete with each other?
Ava T-B
Could be, Cindy. I've never seen a yellow one (male), so I'm not sure. I'll follow your lead and check further. Thanks again!
CindyBinghamKeiser
Hi Ava T-B, I'm thinking this is a female Valley Carpenter Bee based on the colored wings and the size in comparison to the Palo verde flower.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Southern California Wildlife
Photographed
PublishedDecember 11, 2011

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