Australian Large-headed Bee vs Cotesia Congregata

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Large-headed Bee Cotesia Congregata
Scientific Name Stenotritus greavesi Cotesia congregata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Stenotritidae Braconidae
Size 12-16 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Australia North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Australian Large-headed Bee

A robust, fast-flying bee endemic to Australia with a disproportionately large head and powerful mandibles. It belongs to the most primitive extant family of bees.

💡

Did You Know?

Stenotritidae is the smallest bee family in the world, containing only 21 species all restricted to Australia.

Cotesia Congregata

A gregarious endoparasitoid whose larvae emerge en masse from hornworm caterpillars to spin white cocoons on the host's skin. It is a well-known natural enemy of tobacco and tomato hornworms.

💡

Did You Know?

Up to 300 larvae can emerge from a single hornworm caterpillar, covering it in tiny white silk cocoons.