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Small carpenter bee

Small carpenter bee

Ceratina smaragdula

A species of Small carpenter bees

Ceratina smaragdula, also known as Ceratina (Pithitis) smaragdula, is a species of green metallic bees belonging to the family Apidae, subfamily Xylocopinae.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
General Info About Small carpenter bee
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Attributes of Small carpenter bee
Colors
Black
Green
Habitat
leguminous and cucurbit crop
Adult Food Sources
Pollen, nectar, plant sap, honeydew (a sweet sticky liquid secreted by aphids)
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, royal jelly (a secretion from adult nurse bees), bee bread (a mixture of pollen and honey)
Biting/stinging
The Small carpenter bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Small carpenter bee can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
The Small carpenter bee can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
The Small carpenter bee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Small carpenter bee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Small carpenter bee
It is found in South Asia and Oceania. It was introduced to Hawaii.
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Distribution Area of Small carpenter bee
United States
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Life Cycle of Small carpenter bee
Egg The beginning phase sees the egg of the small carpenter bee small, often oval, and subtly colored to blend into its environment. It is immobile and contains the developing embryo.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of small carpenter bee are worm-like, lacking wings and reproductive organs. They are voracious eaters, focused solely on growth and accumulating reserves for metamorphosis.
Pupal In this transformative phase, the small carpenter bee becomes a pupa, encased in a protective cocoon. Within, drastic changes occur as tissues rebuild into adult structures, yet the organism remains dormant.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult small carpenter bee’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Small carpenter bee
6 - 8 mm
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Predators of Small carpenter bee Larvae
Amphibians, birds, insectivorous mammals, arthropods
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Predators of Adult Small carpenter bee
Birds, mammals, arthropods, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Small carpenter bee
Small carpenter bee is capable of 'buzz pollination', a unique vibration technique that dislodges pollen from tubular flowers, optimizing fertilization processes in certain plants.
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Scientific Classification of Small carpenter bee
Tips for Finding Small carpenter bee
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Youth Habitat of Small carpenter bee
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Small carpenter bee
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Small carpenter bee
People could use sweet substances like sugar water or flower nectar analogs to attract small carpenter bee, as they feed on nectar.
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Habitat Preferences of Small carpenter bee Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of small carpenter bee are typically deposited in small nesting holes in dead wood or pithy stems. Larvae develop inside these protected spaces, where they feed on provisions left by the mother. Pupae remain in the same nests, undergoing metamorphosis until they emerge as adults. Searching for these insects involves inspecting dead trees, broken branches, and hollow stems. Adults are often found foraging on various flowers, particularly those in sunlit areas. To find them, one should check flowering plants, paying close attention to those with ample pollen and nectar sources.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Small carpenter bee
The most suitable time to find adult small carpenter bee is during the daytime when they are most active, especially on warm, sunny days when flowers are in full bloom.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Small carpenter bee
Warm, dry, and sunny weather is the ideal condition to find small carpenter bee, as they are less active in cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Small carpenter bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Small carpenter bee larvae are typically found inside the nest, which may be located in hollow twigs or stems. To safely find small carpenter bee larvae, one should carefully inspect potential nest sites without causing harm or disturbance to the larvae or their habitat.
Pupal Small carpenter bee pupae remain inside their nest cells, where they transform into adults. Observing nests for signs of recent pupation, such as sealed cells, can be an indirect way to find small carpenter bee pupae. It is important not to disturb the nests during this sensitive stage.
Adult Small carpenter bee adults can be found foraging on flowers, especially those that are purple, blue, or violet, as these colors are attractive to small carpenter bee. Searching flowering areas and providing artificial nectar sources can draw small carpenter bee out for observation and study.
Are Small carpenter bee harmful?
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The small carpenter bee can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Small carpenter bee harmful to humans?

Most bees are docile and only sting when they are irritated. The sting needles of bees are sharp and toxic, and people will obviously feel pain after being stung. Some bees may also cause swelling, redness, fever and itching. Some sensitive people may experience more severe symptoms or even death.
Harmful Effects of Small carpenter bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Animals
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Toxic to Humans

Small carpenter bee is a bee species with limited toxic impact on humans. It possesses a defense mechanism involving a sting capable of delivering neurotoxins. However, these toxins typically have a mild effect. In most cases, stings result in localized pain and swelling, with no serious long-term complications expected. Rare severe reactions are more likely due to allergies rather than the toxicity of the venom itself.

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Toxic to Animals

Small carpenter bee utilizes its toxin primarily as a means of securing prey. It delivers the venom through its specialized mouthparts when it bites. Although the toxicity is considered mild, it can incapacitate or kill small insects, such as ants, beetles, and caterpillars. While the adult stage of this species poses a threat to these smaller animals, larger ones are typically unaffected. The specific reaction to the toxin can vary among different insect groups, with some experiencing more severe effects than others.

More Effects of Small carpenter bee

Beneficial Effects of Small carpenter bee
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Small carpenter bee is a diligent pollinator, attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers. It consumes pollen and also gathers it to nourish its young. As it moves from bloom to bloom, pollen sticks to its body, facilitating the cross-pollination of plants.
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