The common eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica, is the carpenter bee most often encountered in the eastern US. It is often mistaken for a large bumblebee species, as they are similar in size and coloring. They can be important pollinators, especially of open-faced flowers, though they are also known to "rob" nectar by boring holes in the sides of flower. Shot with hand held magnifying glasses used for this macro shot. Camera only 9 cms. away from the flower. My cam is not a SLR/DSLR.