Buff-tailed Bumblebee vs African Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buff-tailed Bumblebee | African Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus terrestris | Belonogaster juncea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 11-22 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Southern Africa, East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
A large, familiar bumblebee with black fur, a yellow collar, a yellow abdominal band, and a distinctive buff-white tail. It is one of the most important commercial pollinators in Europe.
Did You Know?
This bumblebee can learn to pull strings to access food and then teach the technique to other bees, demonstrating a form of cultural transmission.
African Paper Wasp
A slender reddish-brown social wasp that builds small open paper nests under eaves and branches. It preys on caterpillars to feed its larvae.
Did You Know?
They are considered beneficial by gardeners because a single colony can destroy hundreds of caterpillar pests per week.