Alpine Soldierfly vs Tiny Dark Sweat Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Soldierfly | Tiny Dark Sweat Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oxycera morrisii | Lasioglossum villosulum |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Halictidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm body length | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| 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.
Tiny Dark Sweat Bee
A tiny, inconspicuous furrow bee widespread across the Palearctic region. Despite its small size, it is an important pollinator of crops including onion seed and carrots.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most important wild pollinators of commercial onion seed crops in Europe.