invasive
This bee is called "Ceratina smaragdula", a small carpenter bee that was introduced to Hawaii a few years ago. It's very close in size to the native bees, so it's potentially a serious competitor. It's widespread on the island of Oahu and was found on the Big Island in 2003. There were no records of this bee on Maui until I got these shots at Oluwalu in 2010.
I am now finding them along Kahakaloa coastline as well as along the south side of Maui.
Read MoreI am now finding them along Kahakaloa coastline as well as along the south side of Maui.