About Small Carpenter Bee
A tiny metallic blue-green bee that nests in the pithy stems of broken twigs. It is one of the few bee species showing rudimentary social behavior.
Did You Know?
Mothers guard their nests and feed their developing larvae with pollen, a behavior rare among solitary bees.
How to Identify Small Carpenter Bee
Small Carpenter Bee (Ceratina calcarata) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 5–8 mm.
Small Carpenter Bee Habitat
Small Carpenter Bee is found in underground habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Small Carpenter Bee Diet and Feeding
Small Carpenter Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Small Carpenter Bee Found?
Small Carpenter Bee can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Small Carpenter Bee can be found
Is Small Carpenter Bee Dangerous?
Small Carpenter Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Small Carpenter Bee Role in Nature
Small Carpenter Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Carpenter Bee
What does Small Carpenter Bee look like?
The Small Carpenter Bee typically measures 5–8 mm.
Where is Small Carpenter Bee found?
The Small Carpenter Bee is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Small Carpenter Bee eat?
The Small Carpenter Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Small Carpenter Bee dangerous to humans?
The Small Carpenter Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Small Carpenter Bee endangered?
The Small Carpenter Bee is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Small Carpenter Bee?
Mothers guard their nests and feed their developing larvae with pollen, a behavior rare among solitary bees.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Small Carpenter Bee (Ceratina calcarata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-carpenter-bee
MLA:
"Small Carpenter Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-carpenter-bee.