What characteristic distinguishes a bumblebee from a carpenter bee?

Carpenter bees are distinguished by their shiny abdomens, which are smooth and hairless compared to the fuzzy, hairy bodies of bumblebees. This difference in body texture is significant as the fuzziness of bumblebees plays a crucial role in their ability to collect pollen. The shiny abdomen of carpenter bees is often a key identifying feature, as it affects their appearance and behavior, setting them apart from the more rounded and fuzzy bumblebees. Understanding this characteristic helps in the identification of these bees in their natural habitat, which is important for both pest management and ecological awareness.