Hairy-legged Mining Bee vs Willow Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy-legged Mining Bee | Willow Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melitta tricincta | Nematus salicis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 9-11 mm | 7-9 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Wetlands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Not Evaluated |
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.
Willow Sawfly
A defoliator of willows across Europe found in wetlands and riparian areas. Larvae feed gregariously on willow leaves from May to autumn.
Did You Know?
Multiple overlapping generations allow continuous feeding pressure throughout the growing season.