Clarke's Mining Bee vs Neotropical Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clarke's Mining Bee Neotropical Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Andrena clarkella Polistes canadensis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Vespidae
Size 10-14 mm 25-30 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Pollen Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Central America, northern South America, Caribbean
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.

Neotropical Paper Wasp

A large reddish-brown paper wasp with dark wings that builds open-comb nests under eaves and branches. It is one of the most common social wasps in the Neotropics.

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Did You Know?

This was the first wasp species shown to recognize individual nestmates by their unique facial markings.