Gold-fringed Mason Bee vs Transparent Burnet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gold-fringed Mason Bee | Transparent Burnet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia aurulenta | Zygaena purpuralis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Zygaenidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 28-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Transparent Burnet
A day-flying moth with semi-transparent red-streaked forewings. It is found in calcareous grasslands where wild thyme grows.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed exclusively on wild thyme, making it entirely dependent on this one plant.