Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Tropical carpenter bee
Xylocopa latipes
A species of Large carpenter bees, Also known as Broad-footed carpenter bee, Broad-legged carpenter bee
The tropical carpenter bee is a very large, robust, solitary bee. It is shiny, fully black in colour with fuscous metallic blue-green or purple wings in sunlight.
Toxic to Animals
General Info About Tropical carpenter bee
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Attributes of Tropical carpenter bee
Habitat
wood; stem; bamboo culm
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, plant exudates, fruit juices, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Royal jelly, bee bread (pollen mixed with nectar), worker jelly, honey, pollinated bread
Biting/stinging
The Tropical carpenter bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Tropical carpenter bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Tropical 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 Tropical 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 Tropical 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 Tropical 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
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Species Status of Tropical carpenter bee
It is widely dispersed throughout Southeast Asia.
Distribution Area of Tropical carpenter bee
Southeast Asia
Life Cycle of Tropical carpenter bee
Egg The egg of tropical carpenter bee is typically oval and minute, laid individually in suitable substrates. The color and size vary but generally, they're hardly noticeable to the naked eye.
Larva At this stage, tropical carpenter bee is worm-like, without wings and rudimentary legs. It has a voracious appetite, primarily for growth, usually molting several times before pupating.
Pupal During pupation, tropical carpenter bee is immobile and encased in a cocoon or cell-like structure. It's here where the most drastic transformation occurs, rearranging its internal structures and developing adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tropical 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.
Adult Size of Tropical carpenter bee
1.4 - 3.5 cm
Interesting Facts About Tropical carpenter bee
Tropical carpenter bee, with its formidable mandibles, can carve out nests in wooden structures, showcasing an incredible natural talent for carpentry.
Scientific Classification of Tropical carpenter bee
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Youth Habitat of Tropical carpenter bee
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Adult Habitat of Tropical carpenter bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
How Can You Attract Tropical carpenter bee
Sweet plant nectars or artificially sweetened solutions can serve as an attractant for adult tropical carpenter bee due to their role as pollinators.
Habitat Preferences of Tropical carpenter bee Through Different Life Stages
Tropical carpenter bee larvae are commonly found in nests meticulously prepared within dead wood, bamboo, or structural timbers, where the female has laid her eggs. As they grow, the larvae remain within these wooden chambers, feeding on pollen and nectar stores provided by the mother. Adult tropical carpenter bee frequently seek out flowering plants rich in nectar and pollen, frequenting gardens, meadows, and areas with abundant flowering vegetation. To search for the different stages, inspect dead wood or bamboo canes for entrance holes signifying nests for larvae, and observe flowers and flowering shrubs for foraging adults.
How and Where Can You Find Tropical carpenter bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Larval tropical carpenter bee are located in nests constructed within wood or pithy stems. To find them, search for nests in dead trees, logs, or even in buildings, where the adult tropical carpenter bee have drilled circular holes.
Pupal Pupal tropical carpenter bee will be inside the same wooden tunnels or nests where the larvae stage took place. One can check these nests later in development to find the pupae.
Adult Tropical carpenter bee adults are robust, solitary bees often found in flowers, collecting nectar and pollen. To find them, visit flowering plants, especially large, open flowers, during the day and listen for the loud buzzing indicative of their presence.
Are Tropical carpenter bee harmful?
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The tropical 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.
Are Tropical 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 Tropical carpenter bee
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Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Tropical carpenter bee typically utilizes a sting to defend itself or its nest, mainly in its adult stage. The toxicity is generally mild, and while it can cause some pain and discomfort in humans, it's rarely dangerous unless the person has an allergy. Dogs and cats may also exhibit discomfort when stung, presenting similar mild reactions. Larger birds, curious or predatory, that might interact with tropical carpenter bee, could also experience discomfort upon being stung, though the effects are typically not life-threatening due to the mild nature of the toxicity.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Tropical carpenter bee is a robust pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. It is attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of blooms. This insect collects pollen primarily to feed its offspring, inadvertently transferring pollen as it moves among the flowers, thus aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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