Blue Orchard Bee vs Dark Green Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Orchard Bee | Dark Green Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia lignaria | Speyeria aglaja |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 55-65 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blue Orchard Bee
A metallic dark blue solitary bee that nests in pre-existing holes in wood. It is an exceptionally efficient pollinator of fruit trees, significantly outperforming honey bees per individual.
Did You Know?
A single blue orchard bee can pollinate as effectively as 60 to 80 honey bees, making them increasingly important for commercial fruit production.
Dark Green Fritillary
A fast-flying fritillary with a powerful gliding flight over open grasslands. Its underside features large silver spots against a green-washed background.
Did You Know?
It is one of the fastest-flying European butterflies and rarely settles for long.