European Oil Bee vs Tiger Moth of the Amazon

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Oil Bee Tiger Moth of the Amazon
Scientific Name Macropis europaea Idalus herois
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Melittidae Erebidae
Size 9-12 mm 50-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia
Conservation Near Threatened Not Evaluated

European Oil Bee

One of only two Northern Hemisphere bees that collect floral oils instead of nectar as a food provision. It collects oils from yellow loosestrife flowers.

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Did You Know?

It mixes collected floral oil with pollen to create a waterproof, long-lasting larval food that resists mold in its damp underground nests.

Tiger Moth of the Amazon

A striking moth with bold black and white striped forewings and orange hind wings with black spots. The bright colors serve as aposematic warning signals.

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Did You Know?

When attacked, it produces ultrasonic clicks that jam bat echolocation sonar, rendering itself invisible to hunting bats.