Common Furrow Bee vs Flat-tailed Leaf-cutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Furrow Bee Flat-tailed Leaf-cutter Bee
Scientific Name Halictus rubicundus Megachile mendica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Halictidae Megachilidae
Size 9-11 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Furrow Bee

A widespread sweat bee found across the Northern Hemisphere that displays flexible social behavior. In warmer regions they are primitively eusocial; in colder climates they are solitary.

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Did You Know?

They switch between solitary and social lifestyles depending on latitude and climate, making them key to studying social evolution.

Flat-tailed Leaf-cutter Bee

A medium-sized leaf-cutter bee with pale abdominal hair bands. It provisions its nest cells with carefully cut pieces of rose and birch leaves.

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Did You Know?

It can cut a perfect leaf disc in under 10 seconds using its sharp mandibles.