Opening the identification guide
A furry abdomen or a shiny black one — and the nest each one leaves behind.
Scope: Eastern North America; eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica) versus local Bombus spp. · Last updated
Densely hairy, with pattern and color varying by species
Upper abdomen largely bare, black, and glossy
Social colony, often in an old underground burrow or cavity
Females excavate or reuse round entrances in bare wood; nests are not eusocial colonies
Works flowers steadily; many species buzz-pollinate by vibrating
Males often hover conspicuously near eaves and railings
Source-checked editorial guide. Last updated .
