Fringed Leafcutter Bee vs Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fringed Leafcutter Bee | Rusty Patched Bumble Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megachile fidelis | Bombus affinis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Apidae |
| Size | 11-14 mm | 13-20 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Underground |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Upper Midwest and northeastern United States, now extremely restricted |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Fringed Leafcutter Bee
A western North American leafcutter bee recognized by the dense fringe of golden hairs on its hind legs used for pollen transport. It nests in the ground, unusual for its genus.
Did You Know?
Unlike most leafcutter bees that nest in cavities, it excavates burrows directly into sandy soil.
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
A once-common bumble bee named for the rust-colored patch on the second abdominal segment of workers. It was the first bumble bee in the continental United States listed as endangered.
Did You Know?
Its range has shrunk by nearly 87 percent since the 1990s, making it one of the rarest bees in North America.