Carpenter Bees

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Scientific name:  Xylocopa violacea

Size:  Up to 25mm

Distribution:  Found in wooded areas in Europe, but a rare vagrant to the UK.

Months seen:  March to October

Habitat:  Woodlands and woodland edges

Food:  Nectar and pollen

Special features:  Carpenter Bees are instantly recognised by their impressive size and all black body which has a violet sheen.  The wings also have a beautiful metallic violet-blue colour.  They also make a loud buzzing sound as they fly.

Carpenter Bees get their name from their habit of nesting in dead wood.  Although they are not resident in the UK Carpenter Bees occasionally arrive here from the continent.

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