Blue Orchard Bee vs Peachtree Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Orchard Bee Peachtree Borer
Scientific Name Osmia lignaria Synanthedon exitiosa
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Megachilidae Sesiidae
Size 10-14 mm 25–33 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

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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.

Peachtree Borer

A clearwing moth that is the most destructive borer of peach trees in North America. Larvae feed in the bark at the soil line of stone fruit trees.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can girdle and kill a young peach tree in one season by feeding completely around the trunk base.