Large-headed Resin Bee vs Oregon Oak Gall Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large-headed Resin Bee Oregon Oak Gall Wasp
Scientific Name Heriades truncorum Besbicus mirabilis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Megachilidae Cynipidae
Size 6-8 mm 2–3 mm
Habitat Orchards Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Gall Makers
Regions Europe, Western Asia Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Oregon Oak Gall Wasp

A gall wasp that induces conspicuous galls on Oregon white oak in western North America. Galls form on leaf veins and can be quite abundant.

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Did You Know?

Native Americans used some oak galls medicinally as an astringent to treat mouth sores and skin wounds.