Eastern Carpenter Bee vs Nessus Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Carpenter Bee Nessus Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Xylocopa virginica Amphion floridensis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Apidae Sphingidae
Size 19-23 mm 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Eastern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Eastern Carpenter Bee

A large robust bee that resembles a bumble bee but has a shiny black hairless abdomen. It excavates nesting tunnels in wood and is an effective pollinator of many garden flowers and crops.

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Did You Know?

Males are extremely territorial and will hover aggressively near people, but they lack a stinger and cannot sting.

Nessus Sphinx Moth

A day-flying sphinx moth with dark chocolate-brown wings and two bright yellow bands across the abdomen. It hovers like a hummingbird while feeding at flowers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few sphingids that flies actively during daylight hours rather than at dusk.