Large, dark-colored bees often prompt curiosity about their identity. Commonly called “big black bees,” they are typically one of two distinct types. This article clarifies the differences between these bees, providing insights into their lives and how to coexist with them.
Identifying the Common Large Black Bees
Distinguishing between large black bees involves observing their physical characteristics and flight patterns. The two main types are carpenter bees (Xylocopa) and bumblebees (Bombus).
Carpenter bees, typically 0.75 to 1 inch long, possess a fuzzy thorax but a noticeably shiny, hairless black abdomen. Some carpenter bee species may have yellow markings or a metallic sheen. Their flight often appears darting or hovering, particularly near wooden structures.
Bumblebees, ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 inches, present a different appearance. Their entire body, including the head, thorax, and abdomen, is covered in dense fuzz. Many bumblebee species display distinct yellow and black bands. Unlike the erratic flight of carpenter bees, bumblebees generally fly in a more direct path. Observing the abdomen’s texture is the most reliable way to differentiate these two large black bees.
Carpenter Bees: Understanding Their Habits
Carpenter bees are known for their nesting habits, boring into wood structures to create tunnels for their offspring. They do not consume wood. These tunnels are commonly found in untreated, unpainted, or weathered softwoods such as decks, eaves, fascia boards, cedar, pine, or redwood. A female carpenter bee can extend these tunnels several feet within the wood.
The diet of adult carpenter bees primarily consists of nectar and pollen collected from flowers. They are generalist pollinators, visiting a wide variety of plants. Some carpenter bees engage in “nectar robbing,” biting a hole at the base of flowers to access nectar without contacting the flower’s reproductive parts. Despite this, they remain important pollinators for various crops and wildflowers, including passionflower, tomatoes, eggplants, and blueberries, partly due to their ability to perform “buzz pollination.”
Male carpenter bees are territorial and may appear aggressive by hovering, but they do not possess a stinger and are harmless. Female carpenter bees have stingers but are generally docile, stinging only if directly provoked or handled, particularly when defending their nest. Unlike honeybees, female carpenter bees have smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times.
Bumblebees: Their Distinctive Roles
Bumblebees establish their nests in sheltered locations, often underground in abandoned rodent burrows or within dense grass and compost heaps. These social insects live in colonies that can range in size from 50 to 400 individuals, each colony being led by a queen. Their diet, like that of many bees, consists of pollen and nectar gathered from flowering plants.
Bumblebees are efficient pollinators across a broad spectrum of plants. They are particularly effective in pollinating various crops such as tomatoes, cranberries, blueberries, squashes, and alfalfa, in addition to numerous wildflowers. Their robust, hairy bodies are well-suited for collecting and transporting pollen. Buzz pollination, where they vibrate their flight muscles to dislodge pollen, enhances their pollinating capabilities, especially for certain plants. Bumblebees are also notable for their ability to forage in cooler temperatures than many other bee species.
Female bumblebees possess the ability to sting, and unlike honeybees, their smooth stingers allow them to sting multiple times. Despite this, bumblebees are generally not aggressive, typically stinging only if threatened or their nest is disturbed.
Coexisting with Large Black Bees
Coexisting with large black bees involves understanding their habits and implementing strategies that protect both the bees and human interests.
For carpenter bees, deterring them from wooden structures without causing harm is achievable. Painting or sealing exposed wood is effective, as carpenter bees prefer untreated or weathered surfaces for nesting. Sealing existing holes with wood putty or steel wool can prevent re-entry.
Applying natural repellents like almond or citrus oil to wood surfaces can also discourage them. Vibrations from wind chimes or loud music can deter nesting activity. Providing alternative nesting sites, such as untreated wood blocks placed away from residential structures, can redirect their tunneling efforts.
For both carpenter bees and bumblebees, recognizing their role as pollinators is important. To avoid stings, remain calm, move slowly, and refrain from swatting at them. Disturbing their nests should also be avoided. Observing these insects from a safe distance allows for appreciation of their natural behaviors without unnecessary interaction.