This study contributes to the knowledge about the diversity of bees belonging to the genus Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 of the São Paulo State through a compilation of taxonomic and biological information. Identification keys are presented for the four subgenera (DasyxylocopaHurd & Moure, 1963HURD, P.D., Jr & MOURE, J.S. 1963. A classification of the large carpenter bees (Xylocopini) (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). Univ. Calif. Publ. Entomol. 29:1-365.; NeoxylocopaMichener, 1954MICHENER, C.D. 1954. Bees of Panamá. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 104:1-176.; Schonnherria Lepeletier, 1841 and StenoxylocopaHurd & Moure, 1960HURD, P.D., Jr. & MOURE, J.S. 1960. A New World subgenus of bamboo-nesting carpenter bees belonging to the genus Xylocopa Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apoidea). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 63:809-821.) and for the 22 species recorded for the state, beyond the available data on its biology, plants visited and geographic occurrence.
carpenter bees; floral sources; geographic records; Hymenoptera; taxonomy