Desert Cuckoo Bee vs Australian Satin Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Cuckoo Bee Australian Satin Sawfly
Scientific Name Nomada texana Perga lewisi
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Pergidae
Size 8-12 mm 14-20 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Woodlands
Diet Pollen Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Cuckoo Bee

A parasitic wasp-like bee that lays its eggs in the nests of other desert bees. Its larvae consume the host's pollen provisions.

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Did You Know?

It lacks pollen-collecting hairs entirely since it never gathers pollen for its own offspring.

Australian Satin Sawfly

A large Australian sawfly with a satiny dark blue-black body. Larvae are robust and feed in clusters on eucalyptus foliage.

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Did You Know?

The larvae tap their bodies rhythmically against the branch when disturbed, producing vibrations that may alert other larvae in the colony.