Large Garden Bumble Bee vs Sandpit Mining Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Garden Bumble Bee | Sandpit Mining Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus ruderatus | Andrena barbilabris |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Andrenidae |
| Size | 14-24 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, New Zealand, South America | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Large Garden Bumble Bee
A long-tongued bumble bee introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s to pollinate red clover. They have one of the longest tongues of any bumble bee species.
Did You Know?
They were intentionally shipped from England to New Zealand because they were the only bees with tongues long enough to pollinate red clover.
Sandpit Mining Bee
A pale, sandy-colored mining bee that specializes in nesting in loose sandy soils. It is commonly found in sand pits, coastal dunes, and sandy heaths.
Did You Know?
Its pale sandy coloring provides excellent camouflage against the light soils where it nests, making it nearly invisible when resting.