Subject: Fuzzy Buzzy Bee
Geographic location of the bug: 23454 – Va Beach, VA
Date: 08/18/2019
Time: 05:19 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I’ve noticed a new pollinator in our gardens this summer but don’t recognize the species. I’m estimating 20-25MM in length, fairly robust, but not “chunky” like a bumble bee. I saved one in our pool and grabbed a couple closeups of their uniquely colored eyes. He/she flew away safely :-]
How you want your letter signed: W/ appreciation
Thank you for the response. I see many similarities, however the size, shape, and coloring of the eyes do not correspond. Head scratcher. :-]
Hello again,
Because you wrote back, we took a look at all your images and we believe you have submitted images of two different species. We still believe the individual on the flowers is a Bumble Bee, but the one you saved from the pool appears to be an Eastern Carpenter Bee. Check out the similarity in the eyes with this individual posted to BugGuide of Xylocopa virginica – 
. As you can see from this BugGuide image, the Eastern Carpenter Bee has a dark colored abdomen, which is why we feel certain you have submitted two different species. Since you rescued this individual, we are tagging the posting with the Bug Humanitarian Award.
I’m sorry for creating confusion! …but am grateful for your extra effort :-]
Thanks guys!!
R/ M Coughlin