Cellophane Bee vs Australian Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cellophane Bee | Australian Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colletes thoracicus | Chasmoptera hutti |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Colletidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 25-35 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Southern Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cellophane Bee
A spring-flying plasterer bee native to eastern North America with dense reddish-brown thoracic hair. It lines its brood cells with a secreted polyester-like film.
Did You Know?
The transparent polyester lining it secretes is waterproof, fungus-resistant, and chemically similar to commercial plastic wrap.
Australian Spoonwing
One of the few Australian nemopterids, with distinctive elongated hindwings. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia.
Did You Know?
It is the only nemopterid genus found in Australia, making it biogeographically significant.