What type of bee is known for its large size and ability to burrow into wood?

The correct answer is Carpenter Bees, which are distinguished by their sizable bodies and their unique behavior of burrowing into wood. Unlike many bees that build hives in more traditional environments, Carpenter Bees create nests by tunneling into soft, untreated wood, making them notable for their ability to modify their surroundings for habitation. This burrowing behavior plays a significant role in their reproductive strategy as they create individual chambers for their offspring.

In terms of physical characteristics, Carpenter Bees often resemble bumblebees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen that differentiates them from their fuzzy counterparts. This shiny appearance can add to the confusion when identifying them, but their wood-burrowing habits are a defining trait.

The other insects listed do not share this wood-burrowing feature. For instance, Bumble Bees primarily form colonies in pre-existing cavities but do not tunnel into wood. Honey Bees are known for their social structure and hive-building in wax, and Africanized Honey Bees, a hybrid of European and African honey bees, also do not exhibit the wood-burrowing behavior.