Bates' Rosalia vs Giant Honey Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bates' Rosalia Giant Honey Bee
Scientific Name Rosalia batesi Apis dorsata
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cerambycidae Apidae
Size 18-30 mm 17-20 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Bates' Rosalia

A rare and beautiful longhorn beetle with pale lavender-grey elytra and contrasting black spots, found in the temperate forests of Japan. It is named after the famous naturalist Henry Walter Bates. Adults appear briefly in midsummer.

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Did You Know?

Despite being the subject of intense collector interest, this species remains poorly studied in the wild.

Giant Honey Bee

The largest honey bee species, building huge exposed single-comb nests on cliff faces and tall buildings. Colonies can contain up to 100,000 workers.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, the colony performs a mesmerizing shimmering defense wave that ripples across the nest surface to deter predators.