Buff-tailed Bumblebee vs Mexican Bean Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Buff-tailed Bumblebee Mexican Bean Beetle
Scientific Name Bombus terrestris Epilachna varivestis
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Apidae Coccinellidae
Size 11-22 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

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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.

Mexican Bean Beetle

One of the few plant-feeding ladybird beetles, recognized by its copper color and eight black spots per wing cover. Both adults and larvae skeletonize bean leaves.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most ladybugs which are beneficial predators, the Mexican bean beetle is a destructive crop pest.