Carpenter-mimic leafcutter bee

Description:

The Carpenter-mimic leafcutter bee resembles a Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa, especially such blue-black species as Xylocopa micans. Recent rains seemed to have revived many of the wildflowers in the area which brought the insects out again. The first 3 pics show it visiting sunflowers (Ashy Sunflower -- Helianthus mollis) and in the last 3 pics, one is visiting the (Giant Ironweed -- Vernonia gigantea). From the last 3 pics, it's noticeable that it is collecting pollen on the underside of its abdomen, a leaf-cutter bee trait.

Habitat:

Spotted visiting wildflowers at Mount Magazine State Park in Arkansas.

Notes:

Range in the southeastern United States.