Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Bryan Park
Common Name: Eastern Carpenter Bee
Scientific Name: Xylocopa virginica

Quick Facts Courtesy of iNaturalist

• The common eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica, is the carpenter bee most often encountered in the eastern United States. It is often mistaken for a large bumblebee species, as they are similar in size and coloring.
• They can be important pollinators, especially of open-faced flowers, though they are also known to “rob” nectar by boring holes in the sides of flowers with deep corollas (thus not accomplishing pollination).
• Female X. virginica can have solitary nests, but they usually nest in social groups. The social order of X. virginica is broken into three groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary females act as the dominant within a nest and are in charge of reproduction, providing food for the larvae, and laying all the eggs. This is different from many bee species in which there is a queen that focuses her energy solely on laying eggs while relying on provisions provide by subordinate bees.
• Males will establish territories near an active nest entrance to protect the colony and seek mating opportunities. For males that are near the nest entrance, their boundaries are usually linear and several meters long. For males that are farther from the exit, their boundaries are usually in the shape of a square and shorter in length.
• The male bee is unable to sting, though they will commonly approach human beings, especially if they wave or move parts of their body. The female, on the other hand, will sting if provoked.

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Gunther at Richmond SPCA

Gunther is a handsome boy that is looking for just the right home and environment for him. If you’re interested in learning more about Gunther please contact the Richmond SPCA adoption center at 804-521-1307 or visit our humane center to meet with an adoption counselor and Gunther! He is a goofy boy ready to meet his forever match!

Age: 6 years, 2 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Tan
Size: XL (dog size guide)
ID: 48617498

 

Adopt Gunther at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.