Hawaiian Assimulans Yellow-faced Bee vs Great Spangled Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawaiian Assimulans Yellow-faced Bee Great Spangled Fritillary
Scientific Name Hylaeus assimulans Speyeria cybele
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Colletidae Nymphalidae
Size 6-8 mm 62-88 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania (Hawaii) North America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Hawaiian Assimulans Yellow-faced Bee

A rare endemic bee from the Hawaiian Islands, once found on several islands but now severely reduced in range. It nests in the stems of native plants and abandoned beetle holes. Habitat loss and invasive species have drastically reduced its populations.

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Did You Know?

This bee is one of seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bee species federally listed as endangered, highlighting the perilous state of Hawaiian native pollinators.

Great Spangled Fritillary

Large orange butterfly with heavy black markings and silver spots on the hindwing underside. Common across much of North America.

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Did You Know?

Newly hatched caterpillars do not eat until the following spring after overwintering.