Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica)

Known locations with biophysical regions depicted by black lines and counties by gray lines.

X. virginica is common and widespread throughout the eastern United States and even into the middle parts of the country. This large, shiny bee is often mistaken for a bumble bee, but is a member of an entirely different genus. To build their nests, females bore holes into wooden structures (often man-made) and this species is therefore considered a pest. Though females can sting, they are docile and are also important pollinators.

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