
Carpenter bees made slits in these blueberry flowers.
Millie Davenport, ©2023, HGIC, Clemson extension
Carpenter bees made slits in these blueberry flowers. Carpenter bees commonly cut through blueberry flowers to access nectar from the side rather than the open bottom. This practice, known as “nectar robbing,” minimizes contact with the flower’s reproductive parts, reducing pollen transfer. While carpenter bees contribute to pollination, they are not nearly as efficient as bees that access nectar through the bottom of the flower. In addition, once the slit is cut, it may encourage other bees to enter through the side. Honey bees have also been observed cutting slits to rob nectar. To learn more, see NC State Extension Blueberry Pollinators.