Carpenter bees, scientifically classified under the genus Xylocopa in the family Apidae, derive their name from their unique nesting behavior in wooden structures. China boasts an exceptionally rich diversity of carpenter bee species distributed nationwide. Among the most common species are the Chinese Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa sinensis), Bamboo Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa nasalis), Giant Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa latipes), and Long-tailed Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa tranquebarorum). Below, we explore various carpenter bee species through detailed descriptions and images.
1. Chinese Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa sinensis)
- Size: Females 24–26 mm, males 24–25 mm
- Appearance: Dense reddish-brown hairs cover the body and abdomen
- Behavior: Frequently observed pollinating peach trees, sunflowers, periwinkles, dahlias, and crabapples
- Distribution: Northeastern, Eastern, Southern, and Southwestern China
2. Black Bear Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa nigrita)
- Size: Females 24–26 mm, males 23–25 mm
- Appearance: Robust body with metallic sheen; yellow thoracic hairs and brush-like black abdominal hairs
- Unique Feature: Purple-tinged elongated wings
- Habitat: Nationwide distribution; favors alfalfa, chaste trees, and hibiscus
3. Red-footed Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa rufipes)
- Size: Females 18–20 mm, males 20–21 mm
- Coloration: Brown thoracic hairs, gray-brown scutellum, and reddish-brown abdominal tips
- Male Distinction: Yellowish fuzz with black facial and abdominal markings
4. Sharp-footed Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa acutipennis)
- Size: Females 18–19 mm, males 18–20 mm
- Features: Black clypeus (females) vs. yellow clypeus (males); purple or copper-winged sheen
- Range: Hainan, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Tibet
5. Bamboo Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa nasalis)
- Size: Females 23–24 mm, males 27–28 mm
- Identification: Sparse black hairs and blue-purple iridescent wings
- Pollination Targets: Artemisia, thistles, cardamom, and buckwheat
- Distribution: Southern and Eastern coastal regions
6. Giant Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa latipes)
- Size: Females 28–32 mm, males 28–30 mm
- Appearance: Jet-black body with dense velvety hairs; wings display blue-green to golden gradients
- Global Range: Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou (China); India and Pakistan
7. Long-tailed Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa tranquebarorum)
- Size: Females 23–26 mm, males 22–27 mm
- Characteristics: Uniform black hairs; dark brown legs
- Ecological Role: Key pollinator for rapeseed, radishes, and pumpkins
- Distribution: Southern and Eastern China
Key Facts & Ecological Significance
- Solitary Nature: Unlike social honeybees, carpenter bees are solitary nesters.
- Global Diversity: Over 500 species worldwide, including Flat-stemmed Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa valga) and Blue-banded Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa caerulea).
- Economic Impact: While beneficial pollinators, they may cause structural damage to untreated wood.
- Conservation Status: Most species remain unthreatened due to broad adaptability.
Summary: As large solitary bees within Apidae, carpenter bees exhibit remarkable diversity across continents. Beyond the species discussed, notable varieties include the Violet Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea) and Small Blue Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa minor). Their wood-boring behavior and pollination efficiency make them ecologically vital yet occasionally challenging neighbors for humans.