Desert Cuckoo Bee vs Navel Orangeworm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Cuckoo Bee | Navel Orangeworm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nomada texana | Amyelois transitella |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Pyralidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 20-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Navel Orangeworm
The most damaging pest of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios in California. Larvae bore into nuts and contaminate them with frass and fungal spores.
Did You Know?
It promotes aflatoxin contamination by introducing Aspergillus fungi into damaged nuts.