Green Metallic Tunneler vs Large Scabious Mining Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Metallic Tunneler | Large Scabious Mining Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onitis alexis | Andrena hattorfiana |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Andrenidae |
| Size | 14-22 mm | 14-17 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, introduced to Australia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Green Metallic Tunneler
A medium-sized tunneling dung beetle with a metallic green pronotum and dark brown elytra. Males have an enlarged prothorax. It constructs vertical tunnels beneath cattle dung and is nocturnal.
Did You Know?
Introduced to Australia in the 1980s, this species was specifically targeted for its ability to handle cattle dung in tropical climates.
Large Scabious Mining Bee
One of the largest European mining bees with a striking red abdomen loaded with pink pollen. It is a specialist of field scabious flowers.
Did You Know?
Females can carry a huge ball of bright pink scabious pollen on their hind legs that is visible from several meters away.