European Stylops vs Sweat Bee Stylops
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Stylops | Sweat Bee Stylops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stylops melittae | Stylops nevinsoni |
| Order | Strepsiptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Stylopidae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 2.0-4.0 mm (males) | 2.0-3.0 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
European Stylops
A twisted-wing parasite of mining bees in the genus Andrena. Males are free-flying while females remain permanently embedded in the host bee.
Did You Know?
The female never leaves her host bee and only her brood canal opening protrudes between the bee's abdominal segments.
Sweat Bee Stylops
A strepsipteran endoparasite of Andrena bees in the British Isles. Parasitized bees emerge earlier than unparasitized individuals.
Did You Know?
Infected bees emerge from hibernation earlier in spring, which helps the strepsipteran synchronize its mating season.