Green Carpenter Bees - Xylocopa sp.

These bees are truly stunning and there are only two known species in Australia. These spectacular bees (up to 17 mm long) are glossy metallic green with tints of yellow or blue. 

They cut 7 to 10 mm wide nest burrows in the flower stalks of the grass tree (Xanthorrhoea) or in other soft pithy dead timber. They are mainly found in QLD and NSW. 

Land clearing has caused the loss of these stunning bees from VIC and mainland areas of SA although they can still be found on Kangaroo Island in SA.  

Information and photo credit Aussie Bee www.aussiebee.com.au/lestis.html