Arctic Bumblebee vs Bitter Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Bumblebee | Bitter Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus polaris | Theclinesthes miskini |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 20-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, Siberia | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Bumblebee
A large, densely furred bumblebee with yellow and black banding adapted to extreme cold. Its thick pile of hair provides superior insulation. Queens emerge from hibernation as soon as snow melts.
Did You Know?
This bumblebee can maintain its flight muscle temperature at 30 degrees Celsius even when the air temperature is near freezing, thanks to its exceptional insulation.
Bitter Blue
Small blue and brown butterfly with spotted gray undersides. Commonly found around its host plant in Australian coastal areas.
Did You Know?
It is tended by several species of ants that protect the caterpillars in exchange for honeydew.