Large-headed Resin Bee vs Zela Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large-headed Resin Bee Zela Metalmark
Scientific Name Heriades truncorum Emesis zela
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Megachilidae Riodinidae
Size 6-8 mm 25-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico
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.

Zela Metalmark

A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.