Xylocopa micans, F, Back, GA, Baker County
Here is a lovely carpenter bee from the southeastern part of the U.S., a bit smaller than X. viginica and as far as I know nests in twigs rather and does no damage to timbers (not that X. virginica does much in the way of real structural damage). This would be a wonderful giant bee if it could grown to the size of a poodle, perhaps some genetic modification is in order, as exothermic beings they would not eat as much food as dogs and cats and have the added benefit of being vegans. The world is full of possibilities. Collected by the fantastic Sabrie Breland in South Georgia Flatwoods. Photography by...Brooke Alexander.
The grass so little has to do,
A sphere of simple green,
With only butterflies to brood,
And bees to entertain,
- Emily Dickinson. Original public domain image from Flickr