Black Earwig vs Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Earwig Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee
Scientific Name Chelisoches morio Megachile rotundata
Order Dermaptera Hymenoptera
Family Chelisochidae Megachilidae
Size 15-20 mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Fruit Feeders Herbivores
Regions Asia, Oceania North America, Europe, introduced to other regions
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Black Earwig

A glossy black earwig with reddish legs commonly found in tropical regions. It is often associated with banana plantations and palm trees.

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Did You Know?

The black earwig has been spread throughout the tropics via the banana trade and is now pantropical in distribution.

Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee

A small solitary bee that cuts precise circular pieces from leaves to construct nest cells. It is the most important managed pollinator of alfalfa seed crops in North America.

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Did You Know?

Alfalfa seed yields increased up to 1,000% when this bee was introduced as a managed pollinator.