Large-headed Resin Bee vs Dainty Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large-headed Resin Bee Dainty Swallowtail
Scientific Name Heriades truncorum Papilio anactus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Megachilidae Papilionidae
Size 6-8 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large-headed Resin Bee

A tiny black resin bee with a disproportionately large head that nests in beetle holes and hollow stems. It uses plant resin to construct partitions between brood cells.

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Did You Know?

Its oversized head allows it to perfectly plug the entrance of its narrow nest cavity like a living door.

Dainty Swallowtail

A small, elegant swallowtail butterfly that is the most widespread Papilio species in Australia. It has black wings with rows of pale cream spots and subtle blue markings on the hindwings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most swallowtails, the Dainty Swallowtail is well adapted to arid inland environments and even deserts.