description Xylocopa sonorina Overview
Xylocopa sonorina, commonly called the valley carpenter bee or Sonoran carpenter bee, is a large carpenter bee first described by Frederick Smith in 1874. Females excavate nesting tunnels in wood, while males and females differ visibly in coloration. The species occurs in parts of western North America and has also become established in Hawaii, where it visits many flowers and can perform buzz pollination by vibrating pollen-bearing anthers.
insights Ranking position
Xylocopa sonorina ranks #112 of 423 in the Bee ranking, behind Orange-legged Furrow Bee (Halictus rubicundus), ahead of Bombus occidentalis.
help Xylocopa sonorina FAQ
What kind of bee is Xylocopa sonorina?
Xylocopa sonorina is commonly known as the Sonoran carpenter bee. It is a large species of solitary bee native to the Americas. They are easily identified by their shiny, metallic black bodies.
How do Sonoran carpenter bees build their nests?
Unlike social bees that build hives, female Sonoran carpenter bees bore tunnels into untreated wood to lay their eggs. They do not eat the wood, but rather excavate it to create nesting galleries. They often return to the same tunnels year after year.
What is special about the pollination method of Xylocopa sonorina?
They utilize a technique called buzz pollination, or sonication, where they vibrate their flight muscles to shake pollen loose from flowers. This makes them excellent pollinators for certain plants like tomatoes and eggplants. They are incredibly efficient at transferring pollen.
Are male or female Sonoran carpenter bees capable of stinging?
Only the female Sonoran carpenter bees have stingers, though they are generally docile and rarely sting unless provoked. The males, which are often lighter in color or have golden fuzz, do not possess stingers at all. Males will hover aggressively but are completely harmless.
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