Coppery Tunneler vs White-banded Sweat Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Coppery Tunneler | White-banded Sweat Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onthophagus ferox | Lasioglossum leucozonium |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Halictidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, introduced to Australia | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Coppery Tunneler
A small, coppery-brown tunneling dung beetle native to Africa, now established in Australia. Males have a pair of backward-curving horns. It is active during summer and autumn and is an efficient processor of cattle dung.
Did You Know?
Introduced to Australia in the 1970s, it has become one of the most abundant dung beetles in subtropical Queensland.
White-banded Sweat Bee
A solitary dark brown furrow bee with conspicuous white hair bands on its abdomen. It is one of the most widespread and common Lasioglossum species in the Northern Hemisphere.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most generalist of all solitary bees, having been recorded visiting flowers from over 20 plant families.