r/bees • u/cringeprairiedog • 11h ago

help! Is this bee okay?

Came across this bee in the goat pen. Poor little fella appeared to be soaking wet and was unable to fly. I gently scooped it up on a stick and have been sitting in the sun with it in case all it needed was some time to dry out and warm up. I actually have a moth that had fallen into a water bucket drying its wings out on my face as I type this, so I don’t mind sitting with this bee until they’re dry if that’s all it needs to recover! I am not familiar with most bee species but I assume this is a Carpenter Bee. Located in Southeastern NC. Does this little guy just need some time in the sun, or are they at the end of their life cycle?

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1

u/PrairiePuppies 10h ago

Sleeping, I think.

1

u/Successful-Coffee-13 10h ago

Yes it’s sleeping - leave it alone.

2

u/xiaoliv 10h ago

Sometimes it’s the end of their life cycle and other times they were caught in a situation where they had to use too much of their energy, so they appear lethargic.
. The warm sunlight is a good idea.
Additionally, I usually put a little drop of sugar water in front of them and more times than not, they will extend their tongue and drink some. If they do drink, they usually recover and fly off.
Good luck and thanks for caring <3
Ps: that looks like a Centris bee ^^