Large Sallow Mining Bee vs South American Velvet Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Sallow Mining Bee South American Velvet Ant
Scientific Name Andrena apicata Traumatomutilla indica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Mutillidae
Size 11-14 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Wetlands Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe South 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.

South American Velvet Ant

A large tropical velvet ant with striking black and orange patterns. Despite its species name, it is native to South America and not India.

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Did You Know?

Its species name 'indica' was assigned in error and does not reflect its true South American distribution.