March 30, 2023

We are known from left to right: Southern Carpenter Bee

Western Honeybee and Brown-winged Striped Sweat Bee,

One thing we all have in common - 

We are all Bristle Thistle devotees!

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/five-facts-bees-in-florida/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 3, 2022

This is Ludwigia peruviana

It's invasive and spreads prolifically

It's hydrophobic and can germinate while floating

And can produce millions of seeds.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/ludwigia-peruviana/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 31, 2022

I am a Southern Carpenter Bee

I rarely attack painted wood

I prefer wood that is unfinished

Whatever it takes to make the boring good!

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources:  https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bees/xylocopa.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 21, 2022

I am a Southern Carpenter Bee

I gather pollen via “buzz pollination” -

I use my thoracic muscles to make a vibrating sound

That releases pollen from anthers from my sonic dance interpretation.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/carpenter_bees.shtml

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 20, 2022

We are Xylocopa micans

Also known as Southern Carpenter Bees

We like to nest in coniferous woods

And can be seen on Rainy Days and Mondays.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bees/xylocopa.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 17, 2020

I am a Southern Carpenter Bee,

I'm mostly metallic blue

Girl Carpenter Bees sting, but rarely,

Boy Carpenter Bees won't ever hurt you.

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bees/xylocopa.htm

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 13, 2020

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

I am a Southern Carpenter Bee,
I can cause damage to unpainted wood
But I rarely sting and I pollinate your plants,
So overall, I am mostly good.

Thanks to our special guest photographer, Heather Stapleton

Sources: UF | IFAS Features Creatures - Large Carpenter Bees

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 28, 2019

Location: Washington Oaks Gardens, Palm Coast

I am a Xylocopa micans
Also known as a Southern Carpenter Bee
Because I drill holes in unpainted wood
To make a nest for my family and me.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Large carpenter bees

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson