Asian Rhagophthalmid Glowworm vs Two-coloured Mason Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Rhagophthalmid Glowworm Two-coloured Mason Bee
Scientific Name Rhagophthalmus ohbai Osmia bicolor
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Rhagophthalmidae Megachilidae
Size 8-15 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan, Taiwan Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Asian Rhagophthalmid Glowworm

A small beetle from the family Rhagophthalmidae with neotenic, larviform females that produce a bright continuous glow. Males are winged with large eyes and reduced mouthparts.

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Did You Know?

The family Rhagophthalmidae was only recently separated from Phengodidae based on molecular evidence, despite superficial similarities.

Two-coloured Mason Bee

A distinctive bee with a black head and thorax and bright orange abdominal hair. It uniquely nests inside empty snail shells on chalk grasslands.

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Did You Know?

After filling a snail shell with pollen and eggs, the female camouflages it by piling grass and plant stems over it.