Gold-fringed Mason Bee vs Banded Chalcid Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gold-fringed Mason Bee | Banded Chalcid Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia aurulenta | Chalcis sispes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Chalcididae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Southern Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gold-fringed Mason Bee
A distinctive solitary bee that nests inside empty snail shells on warm hillsides. Females cover the shell with grass and debris for camouflage after laying eggs.
Did You Know?
It exclusively nests in snail shells, carefully selecting ones of the right size for its brood.
Banded Chalcid Wasp
A robust chalcid wasp with enlarged hind femora bearing tooth-like projections. It parasitizes the pupae of various flies and lepidopterans.
Did You Know?
Its massively swollen hind legs, armed with sharp teeth, help it grip surfaces when drilling into host pupae.