Adult : 2-2.5cms, resembles a bumble bee but with a shiny dark abdomen, a dense brush of hairs on the legs and white head markings on the male.

Eggs laid in small cells provisioned with pollen. Larvae are sack-like, white and legless. Adults emerge after 40-45 days from a cocoon.

Large, black bee that excavates wood for nesting - entrance holes and tunnels are perfectly round and about the diameter of a human finger. Male aggressive but lacks stinger, female can inflict painful sting. Damage to wood can be extensive if used by many bees over several years.