Cardo Longhorn vs European Melittid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cardo Longhorn | European Melittid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agapanthia cardui | Melitta leporina |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cerambycidae | Melittidae |
| Size | 8-15 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cardo Longhorn
A strikingly patterned longhorn with alternating bands of grey and dark pubescence on the elytra. It specializes on thistle stems across the Mediterranean basin. Adults appear in late spring and are active on warm sunny days.
Did You Know?
The species name cardui comes from the Latin for thistle, reflecting its exclusive association with these plants.
European Melittid
A medium-sized oligolectic bee that specializes on legume flowers, particularly alfalfa and clovers. It nests in the ground in sparsely vegetated areas.
Did You Know?
It is so efficient at collecting clover pollen that a single bee can visit over 1,000 florets in a single foraging trip.