Hairy-legged Mining Bee vs Arctic Bumblebee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy-legged Mining Bee | Arctic Bumblebee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melitta tricincta | Bombus polaris |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Apidae |
| Size | 9-11 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, Siberia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Hairy-legged Mining Bee
A rare and declining bee that is a strict specialist on red bartsia flowers. It has distinctive hairy hind legs used for carrying the wet, sticky pollen of its host plant.
Did You Know?
Its complete dependence on a single semi-parasitic plant species makes it one of the most ecologically specialized bees in Europe.
Arctic Bumblebee
A large, densely furred bumblebee with yellow and black banding adapted to extreme cold. Its thick pile of hair provides superior insulation. Queens emerge from hibernation as soon as snow melts.
Did You Know?
This bumblebee can maintain its flight muscle temperature at 30 degrees Celsius even when the air temperature is near freezing, thanks to its exceptional insulation.