Large Skipper vs Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Skipper Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee
Scientific Name Ochlodes sylvanus Megachile willughbiella
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Hesperiidae Megachilidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 12-16 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Skipper

A robust golden-orange skipper with a distinctive swift darting flight. Males have a prominent dark scent brand across the forewing used in courtship.

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Did You Know?

Males perch conspicuously on tall vegetation and intercept passing females with rapid aerial chases.

Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee

A large, furry leafcutter bee common across Europe that nests in a variety of above-ground cavities. It is named after the 17th-century English naturalist Francis Willughby.

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Did You Know?

Females have been recorded cutting leaf pieces from over 20 different plant species to construct a single nest.