Acraea Butterfly vs European Oil Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Acraea Butterfly | European Oil Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acraea acerata | Macropis europaea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Melittidae |
| Size | 45-60 mm wingspan | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Acraea Butterfly
A medium-sized butterfly with translucent orange wings and dark veins, giving it a delicate, window-like appearance. It is toxic and part of a large mimicry ring in East Africa.
Did You Know?
It is a significant pest of sweet potato crops in East Africa, with larvae sometimes completely defoliating plants.
European Oil Bee
One of only two Northern Hemisphere bees that collect floral oils instead of nectar as a food provision. It collects oils from yellow loosestrife flowers.
Did You Know?
It mixes collected floral oil with pollen to create a waterproof, long-lasting larval food that resists mold in its damp underground nests.