What is a key characteristic of the carpenter bee compared to the bumble bee?

The carpenter bee is primarily characterized by its solitary behavior, which distinguishes it from the bumble bee, known for its social structure and colony living. Unlike bumble bees that live in colonies with a queen and workers, carpenter bees typically live alone, with each female responsible for her own nesting and egg-laying. This solitary nature allows carpenter bees to nest in burrows they create in wood, where they raise their offspring independently. Understanding this distinction is important in pest management and encourages appropriate strategies for dealing with both types of bees based on their social behaviors.