Lange's Metalmark Butterfly vs Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lange's Metalmark Butterfly | Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apodemia mormo langei | Megachile rotundata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 2.5-3.5 cm wingspan | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | United States | North America, Europe, introduced to other regions |
| Conservation | Endangered | Not Evaluated |
Lange's Metalmark Butterfly
A small metalmark butterfly found only at Antioch Dunes in California. Its larvae feed exclusively on naked-stemmed buckwheat.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1976.
Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee
A small solitary bee that cuts precise circular pieces from leaves to construct nest cells. It is the most important managed pollinator of alfalfa seed crops in North America.
Did You Know?
Alfalfa seed yields increased up to 1,000% when this bee was introduced as a managed pollinator.