Carpenter bee is a type of bee that gets its name because it tunnels in timber or in the stems of plants. There are two types of carpenter bees. Small carpenter bees are from 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 to 10 millimeters) long. They lay their eggs in the hollow stems of bushes. The female chews up the stem pith with saliva and uses the material to make cells, which she fills with pollen and honey. She then lays an egg on top of each cell. Large carpenter bees are 1/2 inch to 13/8 inches (1.5 to 3.5 centimeters) long. They look like bumble bees but do not have a hairlike covering on their abdomen.
