American Bumble Bee vs Xyelid Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Bumble Bee | Xyelid Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus pensylvanicus | Xyela julii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Xyelidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range | Europe |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
American Bumble Bee
A large bumble bee with a yellow thorax, black band between the wings, and a mostly yellow abdomen. Once one of the most common bumble bees in North America, it has experienced significant population declines.
Did You Know?
Its populations have declined by nearly 90 percent in some regions, prompting conservation concern across its entire range.
Xyelid Sawfly
A tiny, delicate sawfly with a characteristic elongated third antennal segment. It is one of the most primitive living Hymenoptera, with fossils dating back to the Triassic.
Did You Know?
Xyelidae is the oldest extant family of Hymenoptera, with fossils known from over 200 million years ago.