Gatekeeper vs Eastern Carpenter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gatekeeper | Eastern Carpenter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pyronia tithonus | Xylocopa virginica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Apidae |
| Size | 34-38 mm wingspan | 19-23 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Southern Europe | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Gatekeeper
A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.
Did You Know?
Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.
Eastern Carpenter Bee
A large robust bee that resembles a bumble bee but has a shiny black hairless abdomen. It excavates nesting tunnels in wood and is an effective pollinator of many garden flowers and crops.
Did You Know?
Males are extremely territorial and will hover aggressively near people, but they lack a stinger and cannot sting.