Insect · GBIF taxon 1342148
Xylocopa aestuans
xylocopa aestuansAlso known as Yellow-shouldered Carpenter Bee, Tropical Carpenter Bee
Broad-handed carpenter bees are spectacular, heavy-bodied pollinators that exhibit striking differences between the sexes. Females sport a velvety black body topped with a bright yellow patch on the thorax, while males are covered entirely in golden-green fuzz. They play a vital ecological role by buzz-pollinating tropical flowers and excavating nesting tunnels in dead wood.
PollinatorDimorphicWood-boring
- diet
- Nectar and pollen
- family
- Apidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and removal of nesting timber
- life Span
- Up to 1 year
NE
Females can sting if handled or threatened; observe from a safe distance.
Females possess a stinger and can deliver a painful sting if squeezed or cornered, which may trigger allergic reactions.
Do not attempt to catch or handle them; maintain a respectful distance when they are foraging or nesting.- Listen for buzzing: Their loud, deep buzz is often heard before they are seen.
- Watch flowers: Look for them visiting large, open flowers where they perform buzz pollination.
- Check dead wood: Look for perfectly circular entry holes in dead branches or wooden structures.