This volume reviews the taxonomy and provides materials for the identification of the African and Asian carpenter bees belonging to the "Mesotrichia Group" of the genus Xylocopa Latreille. Subgenera of Xylocopa which are treated in this volume include Mesotrichia Westwood, Hoplitocopa Hurd and Moure, Hoploxylocopa Hurd and Moure, and Platynopoda Westwood. Identification keys and diagnostic illustrations are provided for all species in this group. Females and males of all species are illustrated in color.