"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.
Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants
By Alexander Hassmueller
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Uploaded Oct 8, 2022. Captured in Dürerstraße 2, 61267 Neu-Anspach, Germany.
comments (6)
This species also came from the south. What made me count against it were the wings, they are not blue.
I saw some Xylocopa violacea here but didn’t catch them. Violacea was bigger also. I see them here since about five years, never before, Nevertheless do you have any suggestion? Thanks!
Posted 2 years ago, modified 2 years ago
https://www.gbif.org/
Just enter the species name there in the search box. In general I would say that if not quite sure, we typically leave it to the genus level. So then you can put "Xylocopa sp." in the title/description and NOT use the species identification dialog.
Posted 2 years ago
„Da steh' ich nun, ich armer Tor, und bin so klug als wie zuvor!“ ("There I stand, poor fool,
and I'm as smart as before!") Hehe!
Now the pictures showing the three in Central Europe occurring species are showing big differences even within each specie. Looking at the distribution I can rule out Valga. As you mentioned the sightings of Iris are quite rare in our area. By reading several texts I come to the conclusion that is is in fact Xylocopa violacea, also because my criteria about the size was not correct and the blue wings are not a must. The pictures available show all sorts of colors for the wings. So I will re identify my uploads. Thanks for the link showing the distribution of a specie and your advise to name just the genus if in doubt. Have a great Sunday!
Alexander Posted 2 years ago, modified 2 years ago