Carpenter bees, known locally as Mamangavas, are species in the genus Xylocopa of the subfamily Xylocopinae. The genus includes some 500 bees in 31 subgenera. The common name "carpenter bee" derives from their nesting behavior; nearly all species burrow into hard plant material such as dead wood or bamboo.
Many species in this enormous genus are difficult to tell apart; most species are all black, or primarily black with some yellow or white pubescence. I have never had success photographing a male Carpenter bee, which is evasive and quick.
In my garden, these bees like pomegranate, flamboyant and boldo flowers.
