Carpenter Bee

Description:

Kentucky has several species of Carpenter Bees. The most common species are in the genus Xylocopa, which resemble bumble bees, except that these carpenter bees have a relatively smooth abdomen and bumble bees have very hairy abdomens. Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees do not live in hives. Many species dig holes in dead wood where they lay eggs and provision with nectar and pollen. Carpenter bees are sometimes considered pests because they will dig holes in wooden sheds, porches, and other structures. They rarely do serious damage to these structures, though. Common carpenter bees are about 1" long, but some species are smaller and have black or metallic coloration, like the Ceratina sp. pictured below right. Reference: http://www.uky.edu