Sonoran carpenter bees are big. They’re the kind that, when I see one, I automatically flinch because I don’t want it to bump in to me and have it leave a bruise. Truth is, they’re pretty docile. This one is a female and has a stinger, but will only use it if provoked. Males are brown and somewhat smaller and don’t have a stinger at all.
Posted in response to Becky’s October Squares challenge theme of ‘Kind.’ See more responses here.
Graham's Island 
Sometimes it’s good to live in a northern climate!
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You don’t like bees? Good job you don’t live in this house. The mock orange is in full bloom again for the second time in about 7 weeks. Apart from the fabulous scent, when I walk outside I hear it buzzing because the bees are all over it during the daylight hours. They are a good deal smaller than the carpenter bee though.
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I was chased by a giant mutant bee in Argentina and so am abit traumatized!! We have bees here, lots of them and aggressive ones, but giant bees give me the creeps!
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Attack of the Giant Mutant Bee! That would explain it. Fortunately, these are pretty docile, as are the much smaller bees on the mock orange.
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Yes, those GMB’s are pretty traumatising!! (Giant Mutant Bees). Happy to hear yours are docile. I had to google them a bit too, out of curiosity
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That was brave. I hope the photos weren’t too traumatic.
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Not to mention wasps!
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Yes, let’s not mention wasps. I’m not a big wasps fan either.
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Our Carpenter Bees are big as well and can always hear them either flying or just buzzing with delight among the flowers. Yes they could leave a bruise lol
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Over the years, I’ve become more comfortable in close proximity to bees, but these have always struck me as gentle giants. Never had any issue with them.
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wow they are big aren’t they. We see carpenters bees in Portugal and they are big, but this one looks possibly bigger than those
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They’re certainly big, and they drill perfectly round holes that are quite wonderful, unless you happen to own the house they’re drilling into.
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lol! are yours solitary bees?
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I believe they are. I’ve only ever seen individuals.
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