Chestnut Gall Wasp vs Hawaiian Assimulans Yellow-faced Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chestnut Gall Wasp Hawaiian Assimulans Yellow-faced Bee
Scientific Name Dryocosmus kuriphilus Hylaeus assimulans
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cynipidae Colletidae
Size 2.5–3 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Orchards Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions East Asia, Europe, North America Oceania (Hawaii)
Conservation Not Evaluated Endangered

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.

Hawaiian Assimulans Yellow-faced Bee

A rare endemic bee from the Hawaiian Islands, once found on several islands but now severely reduced in range. It nests in the stems of native plants and abandoned beetle holes. Habitat loss and invasive species have drastically reduced its populations.

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Did You Know?

This bee is one of seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bee species federally listed as endangered, highlighting the perilous state of Hawaiian native pollinators.