Giant Resin Bee vs Red Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Resin Bee Red Underwing
Scientific Name Megachile sculpturalis Catocala nupta
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Megachilidae Erebidae
Size 14-24 mm Wingspan 70-82mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions East Asia, North America, Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Resin Bee

A large solitary bee originally from East Asia now invasive in North America and Europe. It uses tree resin and mud to seal its nesting cavities.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in the US in 1994 and has spread rapidly across the eastern states.

Red Underwing

A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.