C OV E R S T O R Y
CARPENTER BEES Uninvited Houseguests Who Do Not Take a Hint By Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Karen Vail, Professor, UT Entomology and Plant Pathology Department
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An adult carpenter bee (Xylocopa sp.) visits Chastetree (Vitex sp.) flowers in spring (photo by J. Tsuruda)
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Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees (Bombus sp.). This female bumble bee is also foraging on Chastetree flowers at the same time in spring (photo by J. Tsuruda)
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Male carpenter bees (Xylocopa sp.) can be distinguished from females by the presence of a light patch on the male “face” (photo by C. D. Pless and G. Schweiger)
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Female carpenter bees (Xylocopa sp.) excavate nesting galleries in dead wood, but also soffits, eaves, decking, gazebos, and portions of other household structures (photo by J. Tsuruda)
pring is here, and as floral resources become abundant, bees begin buzzing and developing their nests. Most people who spend time outside are familiar with large carpenter bees (Xylocopa species) – their size, loud buzzing, and hovering make them hard to miss. While the behavior and activity of these native bees can be problematic for homeowners, these bee species also provide beneficial pollinator services.
H OW T O R E COGN IZ E CAR P E N TE R BE E S Large bees, 0.75" (20 mm) or more in length Dark/black abdomen [Photo 1] • Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees [Photo 2] • The adult abdomen is less hairy than bumble bees • Carpenter bees have a “shiny hiney”, with little to no hair [Photo 1] Light patch on the “face” of males [Photo 3] • Males cannot sting but can appear intimidating when hovering around people near nesting sites or females ylocopa virginica and Xylocopa micans both X occur in Tennessee. Other species may be present in other regions
R E P R O DUCTIVE HABITS AN D RE S OUR CE USE Rather than living in colonies, like honey bees and bumble bees, female carpenter bees create nesting galleries in wood. Carpenter bee entrance holes excavated by females are very clean and circular, around ½" (12 mm) in diameter [Photo 4]. From the entrance hole, the colony-founding female will turn and chew one or more tunnels that are often 4 – 7" long, but can extend several feet after reuse and expansion over multiple years.
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May/June 2022
