Desert Large-headed Bee vs Desert Threadtail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Large-headed Bee Desert Threadtail Damselfly
Scientific Name Ctenocolletes nigricans Protoneuridae sp.
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Stenotritidae Coenagrionidae
Size 11-15 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Central and Western Australia North America
Conservation Data Deficient Vulnerable

Desert Large-headed Bee

A dark-bodied, heat-tolerant bee found in arid inland Australia. It forages during the hottest parts of the day when most other bees are inactive.

💡

Did You Know?

It can remain active in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius that would ground most other bee species.

Desert Threadtail Damselfly

A tiny, thread-thin damselfly found near desert springs and oases. It has one of the most restricted habitats of any dragonfly, depending on permanent desert water.

💡

Did You Know?

Some desert threadtails exist in populations of fewer than 100 individuals at a single spring.