Virginia is home to over 400 species of native bees, including some very large bee species. While all bees play an important role as pollinators, these larger bees stand out due to their size and coloring. Here are some of the most commonly seen large bee species in Virginia:
Carpenter Bees
The Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) is one of the largest and most frequently seen bee species in Virginia. Carpenter bees can reach sizes over 1 inch long and are often mistaken for bumblebees due to their large, fuzzy bodies.
The most distinguishing feature of carpenter bees is their shiny black abdomens contrasting with bright yellow or orange thoraxes and heads, They get their name from their nesting habits – carpenter bees drill holes and tunnels in wood to lay their eggs
Carpenter bees are important early season pollinators, feeding on flowers like roses, honeysuckles, and fruit trees They can be found in both rural and urban areas where suitable nesting sites exist
Bumblebees
Several bumblebee species found in Virginia grow over 1 inch long. These include the Brown-belted Bumble Bee, American Bumble Bee, Two-Spotted Bumble Bee, and Common Eastern Bumble Bee.
Bumblebees are fuzzy all over and covered in black and yellow hair. They nest in cavities in the ground or abandoned rodent burrows. Bumblebees form small colonies with a queen. They are generalist pollinators, feeding on a wide variety of flowering plants.
Some bumblebee species like the American Bumble Bee have declining populations in Virginia and other parts of their range from habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease.
Cuckoo Bees
Cuckoo bees get their name because they lay their eggs in the nests of other bee species, especially bumblebees. The Lunate Longhorn-Cuckoo Bee is a cleptoparasite species in Virginia that invades bumblebee nests.
At over 1 inch long, cuckoo bees are robust thick-waisted bees with black and white banding. Their white-haired thoraxes and legs also help distinguish them from host bumblebee species.
Mining Bees
Mining bees excavate tunnel and chamber nests in the ground. The Spring Beauty Miner is one of the larger mining bee species in Virginia, measuring over 1 cm long. These fast-flying bees have dense brush-like hairs for carrying pollen.
Miners are important spring pollinators, but many species like the Spring Beauty Miner are active for only a few weeks. They specialize in collecting pollen from certain spring wildflowers. Declining populations indicate mining bee species need protecting.
The large size and unique appearances of Virginia’s native bees reflect their important ecology roles. Providing diverse flower habitats and avoiding pesticide use can help support populations of these larger bee pollinators. Their services benefit natural ecosystems as well as home gardens and agriculture.
Carpenter Bee Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Female carpenter bees are rarely aggressive but will sting if provoked. If someone is allergic to bee venom and gets stung by a carpenter bee, they should go to the hospital right away. Carpenter bee males don’t have stingers, but they can be very aggressive when they are protecting their nest. Although carpenter bees can be helpful pollinators, they can cause significant damage to structures. Windowsills, wooden siding, decks, railings, outdoor furniture, and fences can be attacked. Individual carpenter bees may not do much damage to wood when they dig, but a lot of bees working together for years can do a lot of damage. If you suspect a carpenter bee infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional bee exterminator.
Carpenter Bees in Central and Eastern Virginia
Carpenter bees get their name from their habit of boring into wood, creating chambers to raise their young. Along with bumblebee queens, carpenter bees are the largest native bees in the United States. They live in the south, from Arizona to Florida, and the east, from North Carolina to New York. Carpenter bees drill tunnels in wood, especially dry, weathered wood, to damage buildings. They don’t eat wood, but they do eat it.
They are not social insects and create individual nests in trees, eaves, or sides of structures. Males and females overwinter in old nest tunnels and emerge in the spring to mate. The female bird chooses a good piece of wood to build the nest, and the male bird spends most of its time hovering near the nest. The female uses her jaws to dig a gallery, fills her nest with “bee bread,” which is a mix of pollen and regurgitated nectar, lays an egg, and then seals the cell with chewed wood pulp. Most of the time, you can tell if there are carpenter bees by seeing a lot of sawdust and pollen on the ground below where they are chewing and digging.
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FAQ
What are the giant bees in Virginia?
What are the big huge bees called?
What are the big size bees?
Can carpenter bees sting or bite you?
How many bumble bees are there in Virginia?
Currently 14 species of bumble bees are found in Virginia. Figure 2. Bumble bee (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org). Bumble bees are often seen foraging on flowers. Some species choose nesting places around houses, or wooden storage sheds and small barns.
Are bees native to Virginia?
The species isn’t a Virginia native as it’s found on multiple continents. However, these bees (Anthidium oblongatum) are known for their good abilities to adapt to urban environments. Often seen around homes and gardens, the bees don’t need to find a nest close to their favorite flowers.
How many types of bees are there in Virginia?
In this article, the reader is introduced to the fascinating world of bees found in the state of Virginia. It provides an overview of 15 different types of bees, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Are longhorn bees common in Virginia?
Of course, this is one family with several species and diverse characteristics. These bees are predominant in Virginia and in most other areas across the world. Most of the longhorn bees’ species have some specific types of plants that they pollinate. Therefore, they are great for promoting pollination and reproduction.
How many long horned bees are there in Virginia?
There are up to 30 species of Long-Horned Bees in Virginia! This bee group nests in holes dug by females, typically under shrubbery. The nests are branched, with tiny “rooms” at the end of each branch where a single bee will overwinter. Long-horned bees are solitary for much of their life.
Are there mason bees in Virginia?
There are no worker Mason Bees. Interestingly, Mason Bees are considered the most docile bee in Virginia! Farmers and other professionals regularly handle Mason Bees without being stung. They’re often kept on large farms to help with the growing process because they’re highly efficient pollinators.