Flower Wasp vs European Oil Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Flower Wasp | European Oil Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cerceris rybyensis | Macropis europaea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Crabronidae | Melittidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Flower Wasp
A solitary wasp that hunts small mining bees to provision its nest. Nests in sandy soil, often in dense aggregations. Distinguished from other wasps by its hunting specialization.
Did You Know?
Specializes in hunting mining bees (Andrena), catching them on flowers and carrying them back to its burrow.
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.
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.