Alpine Soldierfly vs Japanese Honeybee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Soldierfly | Japanese Honeybee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oxycera morrisii | Apis cerana japonica |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Apidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm body length | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Alpine Soldierfly
A small, brightly patterned soldierfly found near mountain springs and seepages. Its larvae develop in calcareous spring water at high elevations.
Did You Know?
Its larvae encrust themselves with calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich spring water.
Japanese Honeybee
The Japanese subspecies of the Eastern honeybee, known as 'nihon-mitsubachi.' Smaller and darker than the European honeybee. Famous for its unique defensive behavior against giant hornets.
Did You Know?
Japanese honeybees can form a thermal ball around a hornet scout, vibrating their flight muscles to raise the temperature to lethal levels for the hornet.