Australian Large-headed Bee vs Double-banded Scoliid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Large-headed Bee Double-banded Scoliid
Scientific Name Stenotritus greavesi Scolia bicincta
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Stenotritidae Scoliidae
Size 12-16 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Heathland Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

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

Double-banded Scoliid

A robust black wasp with two prominent yellow bands across the abdomen. It is a beneficial garden insect that parasitizes scarab beetle grubs in lawns.

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Did You Know?

Gardeners often mistake it for a dangerous wasp, but it is actually a beneficial predator of lawn-destroying grubs.