Xylocopa virginica krombeini
Hurd, 1961
South Florida Eastern Carpenter Bee
Xylocopa virginica krombeini is a of the eastern carpenter bee restricted to southern Florida. As part of the Xylocopini tribe, it shares the robust body form and wood-nesting characteristic of large carpenter bees. The subspecies designation reflects geographic isolation and potential morphological differentiation from nominate X. virginica in the eastern United States. Like other Xylocopa, it is a solitary with incipient social traits, including prolonged maternal care and cohabitation of daughters with mothers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Xylocopa virginica krombeini: //ɡzɪˈloʊkəpə vɜrˈdʒɪnɪkə kroʊmˈbaɪni//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
Southern Florida, including subtropical hardwood hammocks, pine rocklands, and urbanized coastal areas with suitable wooden nesting substrates.
Distribution
to southern Florida, United States; distinct from the broader range of nominate Xylocopa virginica which occurs throughout the eastern United States. GBIF records also indicate presence in Belgium, likely representing introduced or vagrant individuals.
Similar Taxa
- Xylocopa virginica virginicaNominate occurring throughout eastern North America north of Florida; distinguished by geographic range and subtle morphological differences in and coloration.
- Xylocopa sonorinaValley carpenter bee of southwestern North America; similar size and but geographically and with different male facial markings.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Innovative Research by RSPIB Scholar: Surprising Find About Carpenter Bees | Bug Squad
- Carpenter bees defending territories: Large carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica — Bug of the Week
- Guardians of the galleries: Male Eastern Carpenter Bees, Xylocopa virginica — Bug of the Week
- What is that bee and why is it divebombing me? Male eastern carpenter bees, Xylocopa virginica — Bug of the Week
- Bumble bee, carpenter bee, he bee, she bee: Bombus spp., Xylocopa spp. — Bug of the Week
- Bumble bee, carpenter bee, redux: Bombus spp. and Xylocopa spp. — Bug of the Week