Carpenter Bees are big! Xylocopa appendiculata circumlovans, the species common here in Osaka and throughout Japan, grows to a bit more than 2cm long, and is a heavily built, stocky insect.
Recently, as the cosmos flowers are blooming, these large, slow and somewhat clumsy bees can be seen competing with other smaller bees and butterflies for nectar.
A honey bee for size comparisson:
Note the sac of pollen on the rear legs! That will be taken back to the hive to feed the young honey bee larvae!
Often the Carpenter Bee's weight will bend the cosmos blossom right over, so they need to hold on tight!
Though they are quite massive, they are not aggressive. If they feel threatened they may charge at you or even bump into you! However, the males lack stingers of any kind and can not sting, while the females will only use that line of defense if the nest is threatened. So, while they may appear frightening, as long as you don't make any sudden moves or harass the bee (which you shouldn't be doing anyway!) you can safely enjoy their company from nearby.
Thank you for enjoying the post!