Common Windmill vs Blue Mason Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Windmill Blue Mason Bee
Scientific Name Byasa polyeuctes Osmia caerulescens
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Megachilidae
Size Wingspan 80-100 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions China, India, Nepal, Myanmar Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Windmill

A black swallowtail with red body spots and white-patched hindwings that flutter in a distinctive windmill pattern. It flies slowly and confidently due to its toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its slow, meandering flight advertises its toxic body chemistry to potential predators.

Blue Mason Bee

A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.

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Did You Know?

Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.