Violet carpenter bee
Xylocopa violacea
Role in the garden
One of the largest solitary bees in Europe (up to 2.5 cm). Bores its galleries in dead wood, where it raises its young. Solitary but impressive.
Activity period
April to September
How to attract / manage it
Not aggressive: the female stings only as a last resort, mostly to defend her nest, and the sting is painful. The male, stingless, darts buzzing at intruders but cannot sting.
Practical guide
Sources
- von Reumont, B.M., Dutertre, S. & Koludarov, I. (2022). Venom profile of the European carpenter bee Xylocopa violacea: evolutionary and applied considerations on its toxin components. Toxicon: X, 14, 100117.
Favourite plants / resources
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