Big Red Large Carpenter Bee Xylocopa flavorufa

These impressive bees have earned their name from their remarkable ability to bore tunnels into dead wood and bamboo for nesting. With some 500 species spread across 31 subgenera, carpenter bees show incredible diversity—though nearly all species are dedicated wood miners, a few exceptions prefer to dig into soil. Watching a carpenter bee work is like watching a master architect: they create elaborate tunnel systems that can accommodate multiple offspring. Their name perfectly captures their behavior and carpenter-like craftsmanship.