Large Scabious Mining Bee vs Blue-black Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Scabious Mining Bee | Blue-black Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Andrena hattorfiana | Anoplius viaticus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Andrenidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 8-15 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Heathland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Large Scabious Mining Bee
One of the largest European mining bees with a striking red abdomen loaded with pink pollen. It is a specialist of field scabious flowers.
Did You Know?
Females can carry a huge ball of bright pink scabious pollen on their hind legs that is visible from several meters away.
Blue-black Spider Wasp
A dark metallic blue spider wasp with orange-red abdominal bands. It hunts wolf spiders on sandy heathlands and dunes across Europe.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first solitary wasps to appear each spring in northern Europe, sometimes flying as early as March.