African Sapphire vs Golden Orchid Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Sapphire Golden Orchid Bee
Scientific Name Iolaus iulus Eufriesea surinamensis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lycaenidae Apidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 18-24 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Suriname, Brazil, French Guiana, Venezuela, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

African Sapphire

Brilliant sapphire-blue upper wings with a dark margin and twin tails on hindwings. Found in African woodlands and forest edges.

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Did You Know?

Larvae feed exclusively inside mistletoe fruits, making them almost invisible to predators.

Golden Orchid Bee

A stunningly beautiful orchid bee with a metallic golden-green body and reddish legs. It is a solitary nester that builds cells from resin and plant material.

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Did You Know?

Females construct their nest cells from tree resin, which has natural antimicrobial properties that protect developing larvae.