Blue Mason Bee vs Apple Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Mason Bee | Apple Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia caerulescens | Hoplocampa testudinea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 6-7 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Orchards |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Europe, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blue Mason Bee
A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.
Did You Know?
Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.
Apple Sawfly
A small brown-and-yellow sawfly that is a significant pest of apple orchards. Larvae bore into developing apples, leaving characteristic ribbon-like scars on the fruit surface.
Did You Know?
A single larva can destroy three to four developing fruits by boring through them, leaving a trail of frass-filled tunnels.