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Xylocopa

Xylocopa

9.9
A large bee that lives alone and tunnels into wood to make a nest
  • proper noun
  • /ˌzaɪləˈkoʊpə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Xylocopa
  • Unlike honeybees, Xylocopa build their nests by tunneling into dead trees.
  • carpenter bee

Examples

  • Did you see a Xylocopa buzzing around the garden?

  • The Xylocopa is often mistaken for bumblebees.

  • The Xylocopa can often be seen hovering near wooden fences in the summer.

  • Scientists studied the nesting habits of Xylocopa in different types of wood.

  • The Xylocopa genus includes various species of carpenter bees that are known for their ability to bore holes in wood.

  • In gardens and forests, many people appreciate the presence of Xylocopa for their role in pollination.

  • The large, shiny bodies of Xylocopa make them easily identifiable among other bee species.

Synonyms

carpenter bee
vsXylocopa
1 6.4

A large bee that lives alone and makes nests by drilling holes in wood

refers specifically to the taxonomic genus rather than any solitary burrowing bee
genus Xylocopa
vsXylocopa
  • Specialized
8.9

A group of large carpenter bees that bore into wood to make nests

is the everyday common term rather than the formal taxonomic name

Compounds

genus Xylocopa
  • Specialized
8.9

A group of large carpenter bees that bore into wood to make nests

Surface Forms

Xylocopa main

Etymology

Xylocopa comes from Greek parts xylo- 'wood' (seen in xylophone) and -copa 'to cut', so it literally means 'wood-cutter'. That's why Xylocopa are called carpenter bees: they make holes in wood to build their nests.