Blood Bee vs Fringed Leafcutter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blood Bee | Fringed Leafcutter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphecodes monilicornis | Megachile fidelis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Halictidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Parasites | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blood Bee
A cleptoparasitic bee with a bright red abdomen and black head that attacks the nests of furrow bees. Females enter host nests to lay eggs that hatch and consume the host provisions.
Did You Know?
Its blood-red abdomen is the source of its common name and makes it look more like a ruby-colored ant than a bee.
Fringed Leafcutter Bee
A western North American leafcutter bee recognized by the dense fringe of golden hairs on its hind legs used for pollen transport. It nests in the ground, unusual for its genus.
Did You Know?
Unlike most leafcutter bees that nest in cavities, it excavates burrows directly into sandy soil.