How can carpenter bees be distinguished from bumblebees?

Carpenter bees can be distinguished from bumblebees primarily by the bare top of their abdomen. Unlike bumblebees, which are usually covered in dense hair that makes them appear fuzzy, carpenter bees have a smooth, shiny surface on the upper side of their abdomen. This lack of hair is a key identifying feature and can easily help in distinguishing the two species.

Bumblebees, on the other hand, possess significant hair coverage, which aids in pollen collection and gives them a more robust, fuzzy appearance. While size, color patterns, and foraging behavior can provide additional clues, they are less definitive than the distinct bare abdomen of carpenter bees when it comes to identification. Thus, focusing on the anatomical differences, such as the characteristics of the abdomen, is the most reliable method for telling these two types of bees apart.