African Melon Leaf Beetle vs Large Scabious Mining Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Melon Leaf Beetle | Large Scabious Mining Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aulacophora africana | Andrena hattorfiana |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Andrenidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 14-17 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
African Melon Leaf Beetle
A bright orange to yellowish-red beetle with a smooth, shiny surface that is a significant pest of cucurbit crops across sub-Saharan Africa. Both adults and larvae cause feeding damage.
Did You Know?
Adults are attracted to cucurbitacins and can completely defoliate young cucumber and melon plants within days of crop emergence.
Large Scabious Mining Bee
One of the largest European mining bees with a striking red abdomen loaded with pink pollen. It is a specialist of field scabious flowers.
Did You Know?
Females can carry a huge ball of bright pink scabious pollen on their hind legs that is visible from several meters away.