Hunt's Bumble Bee vs Great Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hunt's Bumble Bee | Great Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus huntii | Atlides halesus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Meadows | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America from British Columbia to Mexico | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hunt's Bumble Bee
A medium-sized bumble bee with orange, black, and yellow banding commonly found in the western United States. It is an important pollinator of both wildflowers and crops.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few bumble bee species that has maintained stable populations while many others have declined.
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.