Which gender of carpenter bee is capable of inflicting a painful sting?

The female carpenter bee is the one capable of inflicting a painful sting. While both male and female carpenter bees possess stingers, only the females are equipped to use them as a defensive mechanism. Male carpenter bees do not have stingers and are generally non-aggressive; they may display behaviors that seem intimidating but are harmless.

Female carpenter bees, on the other hand, have stingers that they can use if they feel threatened, which can result in a painful sting. This capability serves as a defense mechanism to protect their nests and young. Understanding this behavior is essential for distinguishing the characteristics and abilities of male and female carpenter bees, especially in contexts of pest control and safety measures when dealing with them.