Xylocopa iris

Xylocopa iris

Xylocopa iris is a bee from the genus of carpenter bees ( Xylocopa ) in the family Apidae.

Features

The bees reach a body length of 14 to 16mm, and have a black colored body. The abdomen shimmers mostly bluish. Because of their small size and the blue coloration of the abdomen can well distinguish the type of the other three occurring in Central Europe wood bee species.

Occurrence

The animals are very rare in Central Europe and come to Germany only in Baden -Württemberg, in Austria only in Lower Austria and Switzerland in the Valais and Ticino. In Baden- Württemberg, the species is thought to be extinct in Switzerland, she is in great danger.

Way of life

Unlike most other carpenter bees Xylocopa iris of the females lay their nests in the dead stems of umbelliferous plants and composite flowers. In about 10 to 20 centimeters in height, the entrance hole is gnawed strong stems in about 15 to 20 millimeters. Thereafter, the inside is hollowed out and cut the stems to about 20 to 40 centimeters in length. This is probably the wind stability of the nest. The situation created by the shortening opening is closed with a thick Markpfropfen. The individual brood cells are eventually applied between the upper cap and the entrance hole.