Chestnut Gall Wasp vs Cellophane Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chestnut Gall Wasp Cellophane Bee
Scientific Name Dryocosmus kuriphilus Colletes thoracicus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cynipidae Colletidae
Size 2.5–3 mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Orchards Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions East Asia, Europe, North America Eastern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Chestnut Gall Wasp

An invasive gall wasp from China that is the most damaging pest of chestnut trees worldwide. It induces galls on buds and leaves, reducing nut yields.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely through parthenogenesis; no males have ever been found in any population.

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.

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Did You Know?

The transparent polyester lining it secretes is waterproof, fungus-resistant, and chemically similar to commercial plastic wrap.