Long-horned Bee vs Great Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-horned Bee | Great Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eucera longicornis | Atlides halesus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 13-16 mm | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Long-horned Bee
Males are unmistakable with their extraordinarily long antennae, nearly as long as the body. It nests in the ground in warm, sunny grasslands.
Did You Know?
The male's enormously long antennae are thought to help detect female pheromones at greater distances.
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.