Large Sallow Mining Bee vs Double-banded Scoliid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Sallow Mining Bee Double-banded Scoliid
Scientific Name Andrena apicata Scolia bicincta
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Scoliidae
Size 11-14 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Wetlands Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Large Sallow Mining Bee

A rare, early-spring mining bee that specializes on sallow and willow catkins. It has declined significantly across Europe due to loss of wetland habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is so dependent on sallow catkins that the removal of sallow trees from wetlands has caused local extinctions across England.

Double-banded Scoliid

A robust black wasp with two prominent yellow bands across the abdomen. It is a beneficial garden insect that parasitizes scarab beetle grubs in lawns.

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Did You Know?

Gardeners often mistake it for a dangerous wasp, but it is actually a beneficial predator of lawn-destroying grubs.