Drones can be recognized by their blocky shape and large eyes.
Portrait of a drone bee.
At the end of a long summer season of brutal territorial battles and courting females, male carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) are so tired and tattered that they let themselves be handled without protest.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Portrait of a drone bee.
Portrait of a drone bee.
Portrait of a drone bee.
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013