Large Sallow Mining Bee vs Yellow-winged Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Sallow Mining Bee Yellow-winged Darter
Scientific Name Andrena apicata Sympetrum flaveolum
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Andrenidae Libellulidae
Size 11-14 mm 32-37 mm
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
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.

Yellow-winged Darter

A medium-sized darter with extensive saffron-yellow patches at the base of all four wings. Males are red-bodied while females are yellowish.

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Did You Know?

It breeds in temporary flood meadows and is a strong migrant that appears in large numbers in good years.