Japanese Carpenter Bee vs Squirrel Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Carpenter Bee Squirrel Flea
Scientific Name Xylocopa appendiculata Orchopeas howardi
Order Hymenoptera Siphonaptera
Family Apidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 20-25 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Parasites
Regions East Asia, Japan North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Carpenter Bee

A large, robust carpenter bee known as 'kumabachi' (bear bee) in Japanese due to its fuzzy appearance. Builds nests by boring tunnels into dead wood. An important pollinator of many plants.

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Did You Know?

Despite their intimidating buzz and large size, Japanese carpenter bees are generally docile, and males cannot sting at all.

Squirrel Flea

A common ectoparasite of eastern gray squirrels and flying squirrels in North America. It is found in squirrel nests and tree cavities.

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Did You Know?

This flea can survive several months without feeding while waiting in an abandoned squirrel nest.