Desert Cuckoo Bee vs Hoary Edge Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Cuckoo Bee | Hoary Edge Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nomada texana | Achalarus lyciades |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 37-47 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Eastern United States |
| 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.
Did You Know?
It lacks pollen-collecting hairs entirely since it never gathers pollen for its own offspring.
Hoary Edge Skipper
A dark brown spread-wing skipper with a frosted white patch along the outer margin of the hindwing underside. Its fast darting flight makes it difficult to follow.
Did You Know?
The name 'hoary edge' refers to the silvery-white frosted margin that distinguishes it from similar dark skippers.