@robz this is an eastern carpenter bee… they live in cavities they create in wood… maybe being chunky helps them chew the holes in the wood… they have strong mandibles for sure.This is a female (all black - males have white on their faces) and she is responsible for building the nest.
@kvphoto Thank you so much for that info - it's fascinating and explains her shape and colour so well. Over here there is a new interest in providing insect houses - it might be very interesting to do if insects such as these would take up residence. :)
