Xylocopa violacea

Xylocopa violacea, the violet carpenter bee, is the common European species of carpenter bee, and one of the largest bees in Europe. It is also native to Asia.

Like most members of the genus Xylocopa, it makes its nests in dead wood. It is not particularly aggressive, and will attack only if forced to.

Distribution

The range of Xylocopa violacea extends from Europe eastward across Asia as far as central China, restricted to latitudes above 30 degrees. In India, any all-black species of Xylocopa are referred to by the common name "" (or "" – – in Assamese), and reports and sightings of are commonly misattributed to this species; however, this species is found only in the northern regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Most sightings refer to any of several other common black Xylocopa, such as X. nasalis, X. tenuiscapa, or X. tranquebarorum.

In 2006, Xylocopa violacea was reported from Cardigan, Wales. In 2007, it was found breeding for the first time in England, in Leicestershire. This follows a northwards expansion of its range in France, Germany, and the Channel Islands. In 2010 it was recorded in Northamptonshire and Worcestershire.

Description

Violet carpenter bees hibernate over winter and they emerge in the spring, usually around April or May. Hibernation is undertaken by the adults in wood where there are abandoned nest tunnels. In the late spring or early summer, they may be seen around searching for mates and suitable nesting sites. After mating, the gravid females bore tunnels in dead wood, which is where the name "carpenter bee" comes from, although old nest tunnels may be used.

Like other solitary bees, the female creates the nest alone. The eggs are laid within a series of small cells, each of which is supplied with a pollen ball for the larvae to feed upon. The adults emerge in late summer then hibernate until the following year.

Gallery

• Male European carpenter bee
  Male European carpenter bee
• Female European carpenter bee
  Female European carpenter bee
• In Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates
  In Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates
• In Barcelona
  In Barcelona
• In Jardins des Martels, France
  In Jardins des Martels, France
• On a wild thistle in the Cévennes National Park, France
  On a wild thistle in the Cévennes National Park, France
• Cross-section of brood chambers
  Cross-section of brood chambers
• Queen carpenter bee in IRAN
  Queen carpenter bee in IRAN
• Wing of the violet carpenter bee under microscope
  Wing of the violet carpenter bee under microscope