Alpine Blue vs Red-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Blue Red-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Albulina orbitulus Bombus lapidarius
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lycaenidae Apidae
Size 24-30 mm wingspan 11-22 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Alps, Scandinavia Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Blue

A small, silvery-blue butterfly found only in high alpine grasslands. Males have pale blue uppersides while females are brownish.

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Did You Know?

It is restricted to a narrow altitudinal band and rarely descends below 1800 meters.

Red-tailed Bumblebee

A jet-black bumblebee with a vivid orange-red tail that is unmistakable in flight. It commonly nests underground in old mouse burrows and stone walls.

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Did You Know?

Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.