Galapagos Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa darwini

This is the only bee species native and endemic to the Galapagos Islands. It is a solitary bee, and females build nests by boring into dead wood. They serve as vital pollinators, aiding in the reproduction of native and endangered plants. Females have shiny black bodies with irridescent wings as seen here, while males have distinctly golden coloring, exhibiting sexual dimorphism.

Recorded lineage

kingdomAnimaliaphylumArthropodaclassInsectaorderHymenopterafamilyApidaegenusXylocopaspeciesXylocopa darwini

Observed

Feb 23, 2026

Location

Bella Vista, Ecuador