...on the subject of Carpenter bees
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     In eastern North America, at least, carpenter bees are a species of
solitary bee (no worker bees) which look like bumble bees.  They (the female,
I'll bet) excavate a 1/2 inch diameter tunnel in wood with the entrance often
facing down.
     While the male (with a white or yellow patch on his forehead) guards a
territory in front of the nest, the female lays eggs and provisions the nest
with pollen and (I presume) nectar.   She is business-like and can be seen
entering the nest with pollen on her legs.  The male seems to spend all of
his time sparring with other males.  But the system works for the carpenter
bees.
      The males (white or yellow spot on forehead) cannot sting and are a
great prop for entomologists who feel the need to show off.
       While they are harmless, carpenter bees are persistent and can turn
exposed wood into Swiss cheese.
Tim
Tim Sterrett
Westtown, (Southeastern) Pennsylvania, USA
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