Essential Facts About the Valley Carpenter Bee

folder_openHymenoptera, Insecta
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The valley carpenter bee is a fascinating species of bee that has a lot to offer.

One significant aspect of valley carpenter bees is that they are not always good pollinators, unlike other carpenter bees.

In general, carpenter bees are excellent pollinators of various plants, including eggplants, tomatoes, and other vegetables and flowers.

The valley carpenter bee is unique in the way it takes nectar from some flowers. Instead of entering the flower to drink nectar, it cuts a hole in the nectar tube.

Due to this reason, it is not always a good pollinator of the plant. Lets learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Male Valley Carpenter Bee

Understanding Valley Carpenter Bees

Valley carpenter bees, also known as Xylocopa varipuncta, are a type of solitary bee native to California.

They get their name from their nesting behavior, as they carve out nests in decaying wood or untreated lumber.

Valley carpenter bees play an essential role in pollination, just like other carpenter bee species.

Identifying Features of Valley Carpenter Bees:

  • They are large and stout, with females appearing shiny black and males possessing a golden brown color.
  • Females often “nectar rob” by piercing the flower tube to steal nectar instead of entering the flower.
  • They create distinctively round and large holes in wood where they build their nests.
Male Valley Carpenter Bee

Valley carpenter bees differ from other carpenter bees, such as small carpenter bees (Ceratina) and eastern carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica), in terms of size and appearance.

Females of the Valley carpenter bee are generally larger than their eastern counterparts. In contrast, male Valley carpenter bees are golden brown, whereas males of other species are black in color.

Valley carpenter bees, like other carpenter bees, are considered solitary even though multiple bees might share a nest structure.

This means they don’t form large colonies like honey bees or bumblebees. They are not aggressive by nature, but female Valley carpenter bees may sting, especially if threatened.

To support these beneficial pollinators, you can help by providing nesting and overwintering habitats such as twigs and logs, as well as planting a diverse range of flowering plants, including drought-tolerant and California native species, to give them a good source of nectar and pollen.

By understanding the importance and unique characteristics of Valley carpenter bees, you can better appreciate their role in your garden and California’s ecosystem.

Physical Characteristics

Color and Size

The valley carpenter bee has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other bees.

They have a striking coloration, with the females being mostly black, while the males can appear with typically golden-brown or yellow hairs.

Male valley carpenter bee

Valley carpenter bees are quite large, typically measuring about an inch long.

In addition to their size, you can also identify valley carpenter bees through their wings, which are dark with a slight purplish sheen, as well as their large, green eyes.

Structural Differences Between Males and Females

Males and females also display structural differences which make them easy to tell apart.

Male valley carpenter bees have yellow faces, while females have a black face. Another difference is that females have a dense brush of black hairs on their hind legs, which males do not possess.

Female valley carpenter bees also have stingers, while males don’t. Despite the presence of stingers, you’ll be relieved to know that females are not aggressive and will only sting if they feel extremely threatened.

Lastly, antennae are present in both male and female valley carpenter bees but differ slightly in length and curvature.

Feature Male Valley Carpenter Bee Female Valley Carpenter Bee
Color Golden-brown or yellow Black
Face Yellow Black
Hairs on hind legs Absent Present (black)
Stingers Absent Present
Size About 1 inch long About 1 inch long
Eyes Green Green
Wings Dark, purplish sheen Dark, purplish sheen
Distinctive Antennae Slightly shorter Longer, more curved

These physical characteristics will help you easily identify and differentiate male and female valley carpenter bees when you spot them.

Male Valley Carpenter Bee
Dead Female Valley Carpenter Bee

Distribution and Habitat

The Valley Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa varipuncta) can be found in various parts of North America, with a wide distribution in the Southwestern United States.

They are commonly seen in states like California, Arizona, and Texas.

These bees also inhabit parts of southern California, as well as Mexico. You might even spot them in some regions of Florida.

Valley Carpenter Bees prefer habitats with a variety of flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen, such as wildflower areas.

Additionally, they need suitable nesting locations, which often include softwood or deadwood from trees or wooden structures.

Feeding Habits

Valley carpenter bees (Xylocopa varipuncta) are known for nectar robbing.

They have short tongues and can’t easily drink nectar from tubular flowers.

Hummingbirds have evolved a unique way to solve this problem – they use their long beaks to get to the flower’s nectar.

But valley carpenter bees do not have this advantage. 

Instead, they use their powerful mandibles to cut a slit in the flower and steal the nectar.

Male Valley Carpenter Bee

This is called nectar robbing because the plants don’t get pollinated.

The bee doesn’t get close enough to rub pollen onto the plant’s reproductive parts.

The carpenter bee stores the stolen goods in her crop – a pouch near her stomach.

However, the valley carpenter bee does not always use this method – so it is not a completely lost cause as a pollinator.

Nesting and Reproduction

Building a Nest

Valley carpenter bees, like other carpenter bee species, prefer to nest in wood. In fact, it creates long tubular double ended holes in the tree to nest.

If you come across a wooden surface with small circular holes, it could be a sign of their nesting activity.

Carpenter bees create these holes by tunneling into the wood and excavating galleries for their offspring to grow.

Female Valley Carpenter Bee

Here are some characteristics of their nests:

  • Made in soft, decaying wood
  • Entrance holes are about half an inch in diameter
  • Galleries can extend up to 10 inches or more in length

To build a nest, the female carpenter bee will use her strong mandibles to chew through the wood, creating tunnels for brood chambers.

Inside these chambers, she’ll lay her eggs, one in each cell.

Lifecycle and Reproduction

Carpenter bees follow a fascinating lifecycle. Let’s break it down into stages:

  1. Egg: The female lays her eggs in individual cells within the tunnels.
  2. Larvae: Upon hatching, the larvae feed on a mixture of pollen and nectar, called “bee bread,” which the mother has provisioned in each cell.
  3. Pupa: Larvae then develop into pupae before becoming adult bees.
  4. Adult: The adult bees emerge from the nest, ready to begin their reproductive cycle.

During the mating process, the male valley carpenter bee guards the nest and releases certain scent markers, called pheromones, to attract females.

Once the females have mated, they will lay eggs in the corolla of the flowers they visit, as well as in the nests they have built.

Interactions with Human Structures

Valley carpenter bees, like other carpenter bees, can cause damage to human structures made of wood.

They prefer to bore into dead wood of trees such as oak, cedar, pine, and cypress. Here are some examples of the structures they target:

  • Decks
  • Siding
  • Structural timbers
  • Rafters
  • Boards

These insects often avoid painted or stained surfaces, but they can still damage unpainted or weathered wood.

Among natural environments, they are commonly found in oak trees and may also target decaying wood.

When valley carpenter bees infest your wooden structures, they can cause structural damage. It’s essential to keep an eye on vulnerable areas and take preventive measures.

To protect your wooden structures, you can:

  • Paint or stain exposed wood surfaces
  • Use treated or hardwood lumber for construction
  • Regularly inspect and repair any damaged areas

Keep in mind that carpenter bees are also beneficial pollinators.

While it’s essential to protect your home or building, make sure to use non-lethal methods when possible, to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Comparisons to Other Bees

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of valley carpenter bees (Xylocopa sonorina) and explore how they differ from other bee species.

Valley Carpenter Bee vs. Honey Bee

  • Size: Carpenter bees, like the valley carpenter bee, tend to be larger than honey bees. In contrast, honey bees measure about half an inch in length.
  • Lifestyle: Valley carpenter bees are solitary bees, meaning they do not live in large colonies like honey bees.
  • Nesting: Carpenter bees, including the valley carpenter bee, bore holes into wood to create nests. Honey bees form colonies in hives.
Africanized honey bee.

Valley Carpenter Bee vs. Bumblebee

  • Appearance: Bumblebees are furry, while the valley carpenter bee has a smoother, shiny appearance.
  • Size: Carpenter bees are generally larger than bumblebees.
  • Nesting: Bumblebees nest underground, while valley carpenter bees create nests in wood.

Valley Carpenter Bee vs. Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) and California Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa californica)

These different species of carpenter bees are quite similar, with a few slight differences:

  • Geography: As their names suggest, the eastern carpenter bee is found in the eastern North America, while the California carpenter bee is found in the western regions.
  • Size: Eastern carpenter bees are smaller than California carpenter bees.
  • Pollination: As mentioned earlier, Valley carpenter bees sometimes use nectar robbing which does not pollinate the plant.
Eastern Carpenter Bee

Interesting commonalities between carpenter bees

  • Stingless: Male carpenter bees, including the valley carpenter bee, are stingless.
  • Pollination: Carpenter bees are effective pollinators, but they can also be resourceful, cutting into the sides of flowers to access nectar.
  • Structural damage: The wood-boring behavior of carpenter bees can sometimes cause structural damage, particularly in areas with populations of the eastern carpenter bee.

Now that you have a better understanding of how the valley carpenter bee compares to other bees, it’s easier to appreciate the unique characteristics of each species.

Is the Valley Carpenter Bee a Pest?

Valley carpenter bees, known as Xylocopa varipuncta, fall under the category of carpenter bees. They are considered by some to be pests, while others see them as beneficial. Let’s take a closer look.

These bees are sizable, growing to about an inch in length. Key characteristics of valley carpenter bees include a black abdomen, areas of yellow hair on their thorax, and a white spot on the adult male’s face.

This white spot is crucial for identification purposes. However, don’t let their appearance fool you. They are typically docile creatures and rarely cause harm.

Female Valley Carpenter Bee

Carpenter bees are not aggressive, the female can sting but rarely does, and the male, though unable to sting, will hover in an attempt to intimidate potential adversaries.

While the risk of injury from these bees is minimal, they pose other concerns, like the structural integrity of wooden structures.

These bees tend to burrow into sound wood, creating sawdust piles and holes in structures like rafters, deck joists, and fascia boards.

This burrowing action can cause potential damage to wooden structures, especially if they’ve been infested year after year.

However, it may help to remember that there are steps you can take, such as sealing your wooden surfaces, to minimize the potential damage caused by valley carpenter bees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the valley carpenter bee, a unique species native to the Southwestern United States, plays a complex role in our ecosystem.

While their nectar robbing behavior can impact pollination, they remain important pollinators.

Their distinctive physical characteristics, nesting habits, and interactions with human structures highlight the need for a balanced approach to managing their presence, ensuring both the preservation of these bees and the protection of wooden structures.

Footnotes

  1. Carpenter Bees – US Forest Service 2 3

  2. Carpenter Bee: Beneficial Insect or Pest? 2

  3. Carpenter Bees | NC State Extension Publications

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi Dhir

    Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

    View all posts
Tags: Valley Carpenter Bees

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22 Comments. Leave new

  • Thank You! I love your site!

    Reply
  • stephanie northcutt
    May 22, 2014 7:36 pm

    May 22, 2014. I also found what seems to be a Male Valley Carpenter Bee in my yard swarming trying to land on my apricot leaves. At first wasn’t sure of what it was until I looked it up. I’m in Merced, California. I was too concerned of what it was and if it was something to worry about. Are these common in our area?

    Stephanie Northcutt

    Reply
    • Male Valley Carpenter Bees cannot sting, so there is nothing to worry about regarding his appearance. Though female Valley Carpenter Bees are capable of stinging, they rarely sting people. Valley Carpenter Bees will be more plentiful in areas where nesting sites, food sources and few predators permit their numbers to increase.

      Reply
  • stephanie northcutt
    May 22, 2014 7:36 pm

    May 22, 2014. I also found what seems to be a Male Valley Carpenter Bee in my yard swarming trying to land on my apricot leaves. At first wasn’t sure of what it was until I looked it up. I’m in Merced, California. I was too concerned of what it was and if it was something to worry about. Are these common in our area?

    Stephanie Northcutt

    Reply
  • I just found one of these on my front lawn in Concord California.

    Reply
  • Do they sting ?

    Reply
  • Richard D. Iyall
    May 23, 2015 8:01 pm

    I saw and took photos of a huge bumblebee in the garden where I live. I have posted photos on my Facebook wall, and on a Facebook post by my friend Charles “Chip” Ashley. What I saw was found in Fresno, CA. Maybe it was a male carpenter bee. I don’t know. But it was larger than the normal black bumblebees that frequent the garden. What I captured with my DSLR camera makes for some great photos, at least. I would like to know what it is. Thank you for any help! I can perhaps also send photos to you somehow.

    Reply
  • Andrea Chivers
    August 27, 2015 1:34 pm

    I live on a now very busy corner in Arlington, VA. I have an unintenyional 4’x8′ and spreading spearmint patch.

    This my first attempt to find out what wasp-looking, but not aggressive, bug that has a somewhat iridescent blue sheen over its thorax and wings, two yellow dots on its upper abdomen, and a definite red butt. It’s red over about .4 of is abdomen. Could it be a fly? The biggest ones are 1″ mandible to wherever they might sting me with. There seem to be more of them all over the spearmint every year, and some are smaller, They seem very calm for Hymenopterans

    Reply
  • Andrea Chivers
    August 27, 2015 1:34 pm

    I live on a now very busy corner in Arlington, VA. I have an unintenyional 4’x8′ and spreading spearmint patch.

    This my first attempt to find out what wasp-looking, but not aggressive, bug that has a somewhat iridescent blue sheen over its thorax and wings, two yellow dots on its upper abdomen, and a definite red butt. It’s red over about .4 of is abdomen. Could it be a fly? The biggest ones are 1″ mandible to wherever they might sting me with. There seem to be more of them all over the spearmint every year, and some are smaller, They seem very calm for Hymenopterans

    Reply
  • Annita Spencer
    October 6, 2015 10:11 pm

    My boyfriend and I saw two golden male Valley Carpenter bees today flying amongst seven females. We thought they were albinos and amazed there were two of them.
    Sadly, this awesome wonder was tainted by the fact the bees had all just lost their homes because the landlord unnecessarily removed a dead Mulberry tree which many carpenter bees had been using for months. The poor bees hovered about for awhile looking for the missing tree and acting like they were double checking their navigation. Some would hover and land on the ground where leftover wood chips still remained, particularly the males. One by one they left to scout out a new place to make home. One female was already checking our neighbor’s eaves for a good spot. Goodbye gentle carpenters. Your fate is ours as well, for the landlord is selling our trailer park, and that right soon.

    Reply
    • Once a Valley Carpenter Bee is in the winged adult form, it no longer returns to the nest. A female Valley Carpenter Bee will search for a new location to construct a nest for her brood. Male Valley Carpenter Bees never return to a nest as their primary interest is finding a mate, though defending territory for a potential nesting site is a possibility. Good luck with your own relocation.

      Reply
  • Annita Spencer
    October 6, 2015 10:11 pm

    My boyfriend and I saw two golden male Valley Carpenter bees today flying amongst seven females. We thought they were albinos and amazed there were two of them.
    Sadly, this awesome wonder was tainted by the fact the bees had all just lost their homes because the landlord unnecessarily removed a dead Mulberry tree which many carpenter bees had been using for months. The poor bees hovered about for awhile looking for the missing tree and acting like they were double checking their navigation. Some would hover and land on the ground where leftover wood chips still remained, particularly the males. One by one they left to scout out a new place to make home. One female was already checking our neighbor’s eaves for a good spot. Goodbye gentle carpenters. Your fate is ours as well, for the landlord is selling our trailer park, and that right soon.

    Reply
  • m, I had never seen bee like this one

    Reply
  • Hi!
    I sent you a few images in the end of January 2017. You gave a Genus (?) name on one of the moths (Giant silk moth (Saturniidae sp.).I don´t know how to find the image on your home page. I have now been able to get species name for that moth Via (Dr Phd) David Thomas England, from Prof. Dr Ahmet Ömer Koçak & Asst. Prof. Dr Muhabbet Kemal (Centre for Entomological Studies, Ankara, Turkey), both experts on moths and hawkmoths in central China. I have also received names for two more of my moths/hawkmoths.
    If you would like me to send them to you, please let me have your e-mail-address again. It has disappeared since out latest contact.
    Cheers
    Stefan Lithner (slit)

    Reply
  • Hi!
    I sent you a few images in the end of January 2017. You gave a Genus (?) name on one of the moths (Giant silk moth (Saturniidae sp.).I don´t know how to find the image on your home page. I have now been able to get species name for that moth Via (Dr Phd) David Thomas England, from Prof. Dr Ahmet Ömer Koçak & Asst. Prof. Dr Muhabbet Kemal (Centre for Entomological Studies, Ankara, Turkey), both experts on moths and hawkmoths in central China. I have also received names for two more of my moths/hawkmoths.
    If you would like me to send them to you, please let me have your e-mail-address again. It has disappeared since out latest contact.
    Cheers
    Stefan Lithner (slit)

    Reply
  • Just had the biggest Male Valley Carpenter Bee, show up in my backyard in Sacramento. Over an 1″ long body.

    Reply
  • Tonnie Beevers
    June 15, 2021 6:34 pm

    I found one of these resting on the underside of a sunflower leaf today. He was huge! I got pictures but he was facing away, so I couldn’t see his eyes.

    Reply
  • Just saw one one these on my porch in South Texas

    Reply

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