Blue Orchard Bee vs Giant Resin Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Orchard Bee | Giant Resin Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia lignaria | Megachile sculpturalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 14-24 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | East Asia, North America, 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.
Giant Resin Bee
A large solitary bee originally from East Asia now invasive in North America and Europe. It uses tree resin and mud to seal its nesting cavities.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in the US in 1994 and has spread rapidly across the eastern states.