Golden Orchid Bee vs Grey-patched Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Orchid Bee Grey-patched Mining Bee
Scientific Name Eufriesea surinamensis Andrena nitida
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Andrenidae
Size 18-24 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Forests Beaches & Coastal
Diet Nectar Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Suriname, Brazil, French Guiana, Venezuela, Central America Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Golden Orchid Bee

A stunningly beautiful orchid bee with a metallic golden-green body and reddish legs. It is a solitary nester that builds cells from resin and plant material.

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Did You Know?

Females construct their nest cells from tree resin, which has natural antimicrobial properties that protect developing larvae.

Grey-patched Mining Bee

A glossy black bee with patches of grey hair on the thorax. It is one of the earliest spring-flying solitary bees in Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is a key pollinator of blackthorn, which produces sloe berries used to make sloe gin.