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Oriental carpenter bee

Xylocopa nasalis

A species of Large carpenter bees

The Oriental carpenter bee, Xylocopa nasalis, or Xylocopa (Biluna) nasalis, is a species of carpenter bee. It is widely distributed in Southeast Asian countries. It is a major pollinator within its ecosystem, and is often mistaken for a bumblebee. The species leads a solitary lifestyle with a highly female-biased colony in the nest.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Oriental carpenter bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Oriental carpenter bee
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Attributes of Oriental carpenter bee
Habitat
X. nasalis is a common carpenter bee found in Southeast Asia, predominantly in tropic and subtropic regions such as Thailand, Vietnam, West Malaysia, and Singapore.
Nest Nests of Xylocopa nasalis are strictly unbranched and the provisioned cells are separated by distinct partitions made from bamboo shreds excavated by the founding female. Usually, the nest entrances are located mainly at the end of the bamboo culms, but there can be excavation from the underside for an entrance.
The average total nest length is 38.35 cm and the average nest length (from the nest entrance to the end of the innermost partitioned cell) is about 25.40 cm. The number of cells partitioned per nest is between zero and eight cells, with an average of about three per nest.
Nest population On average, there can be anywhere from 1 to 7 individual adult bees in an X. nasalis nest, with a female-biased sex-ratio of 8:1. In a given nest, sister bees can tolerate and live inside the same nest with up to 7 individuals along with their mother.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, plant sap, honeydew, floral oils
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Oriental carpenter bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Oriental 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 Oriental 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
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Appearance of Oriental carpenter bee
Easily mistaken for bumble bees, carpenter bees of X. nasalis are relatively large, with a sturdy, black, lustrous body. Their thorax can exceed 5 mm in length, and some have yellow markings on their head.
The front wing marginal cell is thin and stretched, while the apex, the anterior corner of the wing, leans away from the costa, which is the leading edge of the wing. Moreover, the front wing also has small stigma cells. Short mandibles cover the labral flap of the bee when the mandibles are closed.
X. nasalis have compound eyes, which can consist of thousands of individual photoreceptor units. The image produced for this species of bees is a systematic collaboration of the numerous inputs received from the photoreceptors. These kinds of eyes can view in large angles and are able to detect rapid movement.
The eggs of X. nasalis are very large relative to the size of females and are known to be some of the largest eggs among all insects.
Male female dimorphism Males have a white or yellow face, while the females do not have these characteristics. Moreover, males often have much larger eyes than the females. Males do not contain a stinger, while the females are capable of using their stingers, but rarely do unless directly provoked or in immediate danger.
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Predators of Adult Oriental carpenter bee
Birds, rodents, lizards, spiders, mantis, beetles, dragonflies, wasps
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Interesting Facts About Oriental carpenter bee
Unique to oriental carpenter bee is their ability to 'buzz-pollinate', vibrating flowers to release tightly-held pollen, essential for the reproduction of various plants.
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Scientific Classification of Oriental carpenter bee
Tips for Finding Oriental carpenter bee
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Youth Habitat of Oriental carpenter bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Oriental carpenter bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Floral Rich Regions
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How Can You Attract Oriental carpenter bee
Sweet substances like sugar water or flowers with nectar could be used as lures due to oriental carpenter bee's foraging behavior for nectar and pollen.
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Habitat Preferences of Oriental carpenter bee Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of oriental carpenter bee generally reside in nests within deadwood or bamboo stems, tunneled by adult females, who also provide a food supply of pollen and nectar. As they transition into pupae, they remain in these protected nests until they emerge as adults. To observe larvae or pupae, one should examine the inside of accessible dead branches or hollow stems. Adult oriental carpenter bee are commonly found in areas abundant with flowering plants, as they forage for nectar and pollen. Searching for adults would involve visiting gardens, meadows, or woodlands during sunny days when they are most active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Oriental carpenter bee
The most suitable time to find oriental carpenter bee is during warm and sunny days, especially mid-morning to afternoon when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Oriental carpenter bee
Dry, warm conditions are preferable as oriental carpenter bee tends not to forage during rainy or cold weather.
Are Oriental carpenter bee harmful?
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Are Oriental 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 Oriental carpenter bee
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Animals

Oriental carpenter bee can inflict a mild venom through its fangs when it bites. Adults of this species are capable of harming various animals, often eliciting only minor discomfort among mammals such as humans, dogs, and cats. However, smaller creatures like birds and insects may experience more significant reactions due to their size and differing physiology, which could lead to more severe symptoms or even fatality in extreme cases.

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Does the Oriental carpenter bee sting humans?

Oriental carpenter bee, like most species in its genus, can sting, but it typically only does so defensively, such as when threatened or handled. Stinging is a last resort due to the potential loss of life associated with it, especially for females, which are the only ones capable of stinging. Stings can cause temporary pain and irritation to humans, but incidents are rare due to oriental carpenter bee's non-aggressive nature.

More Effects of Oriental carpenter bee

Beneficial Effects of Oriental 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
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Oriental carpenter bee is a robust pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents, it collects pollen to nourish its offspring. While foraging, oriental carpenter bee inadvertently transfers pollen, facilitating the fertilization of plants. This process is crucial for the biodiversity of ecosystems.
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