Tree Bumblebee vs Eastern Carpenter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tree Bumblebee Eastern Carpenter Bee
Scientific Name Bombus hypnorum Xylocopa virginica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Apidae
Size 11-18mm 19-23 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Tree Bumblebee

A distinctive bumblebee with a brown thorax, black abdomen and white tail. Often nests in bird boxes.

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Did You Know?

A recent and rapid colonizer of Britain since 2001, frequently nesting in bird boxes and roof spaces.

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.