Eastern Carpenter Bee vs Sara Longwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Carpenter Bee Sara Longwing
Scientific Name Xylocopa virginica Heliconius sara
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Apidae Nymphalidae
Size 19-23 mm 55-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central 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.

Sara Longwing

A striking longwing butterfly with velvety black wings marked by brilliant blue iridescent bands. It roosts communally in groups at night.

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Did You Know?

Groups of up to 15 individuals return to the same roosting branch every evening for months, guided by chemical cues.