Imagine a bee so big that it can be mistaken for a small bird! Meet the large carpenter bee, a robust and solitary bee that makes its home by tunneling into wood. Unlike their smaller relatives, these bees are hefty and have powerful jaws that allow them to carve out nests in wooden structures. You can find them buzzing around in various parts of North America, as well as in many other regions around the world, from forest edges to urban gardens.

Large carpenter bees are quite fascinating not only because of their size but also because of their behavior. They are known for their solitary lifestyle, with each female bee managing her own nest. Despite their formidable appearance, they are generally docile and rarely aggressive unless provoked. These bees play a crucial role in pollinating several plant species, especially those that other bees might overlook due to their size.