Bee Moth vs Neotropical Stingless Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee Moth Neotropical Stingless Bee
Scientific Name Aphomia sociella Tetragonisca angustula
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Crambidae Apidae
Size 30-42 mm wingspan 4-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bee Moth

A robust pinkish-brown moth whose larvae are nest parasites of bumblebees and wasps. Females enter bee nests at night to lay their eggs.

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Did You Know?

A single larval web can contain hundreds of caterpillars that completely destroy a bumblebee nest.

Neotropical Stingless Bee

A tiny stingless bee whose honey has been harvested by indigenous peoples for centuries.

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Did You Know?

Guard bees at the nest entrance use chemical warfare by depositing sticky resin on intruders.