Large Shaggy Bee vs Ant-like Flower Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Shaggy Bee | Ant-like Flower Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panurgus banksianus | Anthicus antherinus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Anthicidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 2.5-3.5 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Large Shaggy Bee
A densely hairy black bee that specializes on composite flowers, particularly hawkbits and dandelions. Males have distinctively swollen, lemon-yellow faces.
Did You Know?
Males' bright yellow face patches are thought to mimic the yellow disc florets of the composites they frequent, possibly to ambush females visiting flowers.
Ant-like Flower Beetle
A tiny beetle resembling an ant, found on flowers and under debris. Has a distinctive narrowed 'neck' between head and thorax. Common but rarely noticed due to small size.
Did You Know?
The narrow 'neck' and ant-like shape give it excellent ant mimicry that helps deter predators.