Carpenter Bees are often mistaken for Bumble Bees but their black, shiny, abdomens give them away.  Carpenter Bees, like Honey Bees and Bumble Bees, are important pollinators and help with Swamp Milkweed propagation at our wetlands.

Eagle Marsh, Allen Co., Indiana

Female Carpenter Bees establish nests by boring into wood and forming a tunnel system.  Male Carpenter Bees cannot sting (no stinger) and females have to be severely provoked before they will sting.  The extra long tongue of this Carpenter Bee aids it's ability to reach nectar in the blossoms of this Butterfly Bush.