Blackberry Leaf Miner vs Unequal Cellophane Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blackberry Leaf Miner Unequal Cellophane Bee
Scientific Name Metallus pumilus Colletes inaequalis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Colletidae
Size 3-4 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Underground Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blackberry Leaf Miner

A tiny, dark metallic sawfly whose larvae create blotch mines in blackberry and raspberry leaves. Mined areas turn brown and papery.

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Did You Know?

Despite their tiny size, heavy infestations can mine nearly every leaf on a blackberry bush, significantly reducing fruit yield.

Unequal Cellophane Bee

An early spring bee that forms large nesting aggregations in sandy soil. It lines its cells with a waterproof secretion resembling cellophane.

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Did You Know?

Nesting aggregations can alarm homeowners as thousands of bees emerge from lawns, but they are docile and rarely sting.