Gall Wasp vs Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gall Wasp Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee
Scientific Name Andricus quercuscalicis Andrena nasuta
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cynipidae Andrenidae
Size 3-4 mm 11-13 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Gall Makers Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Gall Wasp

A tiny wasp that induces knopper galls on oak acorns, deforming them completely.

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Did You Know?

It has alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce different gall types.

Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee

A specialist mining bee with an elongated face adapted for feeding on tubular flowers, particularly viper's bugloss. It is found primarily in coastal and sandy habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its elongated face and tongue are so specialized for viper's bugloss flowers that it struggles to feed from most other flower shapes.