This guidebook provides materials for the identification of large carpenter bees of the genus Xylocopa Latreille, subgenus Neoxylocopa Michener, from the southwestern United States, mainland Mexico, and the countries of mainland Central America south to and including Panama. Keys and diagnoses for the identification of females and males of the ten species of these bees recorded from North and Central America are provided in both English and Spanish. All species are illustrated in color.