Clarke's Mining Bee vs Apache Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clarke's Mining Bee Apache Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Andrena clarkella Polistes apachus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Vespidae
Size 10-14 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Heathland
Diet Pollen Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Clarke's Mining Bee

An early spring bee with females covered in bright orange-red fur. It is closely associated with willow catkins for pollen.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first solitary bees to emerge each spring, sometimes appearing as early as February.

Apache Paper Wasp

A large paper wasp of the American Southwest with yellow and reddish-brown coloring. It constructs open paper comb nests in sheltered locations like building overhangs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest paper wasps in North America and is particularly common around desert homes and ranch buildings.