Carpenter Bees are large, black and yellow striped insects that are commonly found in North America. They are known for their ability to bore into wood, hence the name “carpenter bee.” While they are often mistaken for Bumblebees, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Carpenter Bees have a black, shiny abdomen, while Bumblebees have a fuzzy, yellow and black abdomen. They also have a distinctive, solitary behavior, as they do not live in hives like bumblebees. Instead, they burrow into wooden structures to create their nests.
This behavior can cause significant damage to wooden structures, as the females chew galleries into the wood to lay their eggs. The galleries can weaken the structural integrity of the wood, leading to costly repairs. Carpenter Bees also leave behind a yellowish sawdust, known as frass, which is a clear sign of their presence.
Carpenter Bee On A Wildflower
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Near The Ouachita National Forest (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: September 14, 2022 (4:08 P. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm