Posted a photo of this species some time ago but the photo today does show the iridescent colour better.
This large bee is one of the carpenter species Xylocopa (lestis) bombylans Green or Peacock Carpenter Bee.
Found in eastern Australia they are solitary bees and as their name suggests work in wood, as the excavate a tunnel into the trunk of soft dead trees or the stem of grass trees to lay their eggs.
What a beautiful bee - love the irridescence and the name Peacock Carpenter Bee is wonderful :)
ReplyDeletePleased you like this character, very beautiful and a special native insect.
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