Common Sootywing vs Teddy Bear Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Sootywing | Teddy Bear Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pholisora catullus | Amegilla bombiformis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Apidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | United States and southern Canada | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Sootywing
A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.
Did You Know?
It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.
Teddy Bear Bee
A plump, densely furred native Australian bee that closely resembles a bumblebee. Despite its cuddly appearance, it is a solitary bee that nests in burrows in soft sandstone or clay banks.
Did You Know?
It uses buzz pollination, vibrating its flight muscles at a specific frequency to shake pollen from flowers that other bees cannot access.