Long-legged Oil Bee vs Mediterranean Webspinner
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-legged Oil Bee | Mediterranean Webspinner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rediviva longimanus | Haploembia solieri |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Embioptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Oligotomidae |
| Size | 12-15 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | South Africa | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Long-legged Oil Bee
An extraordinary South African bee whose front legs are nearly twice its body length, the longest of any bee relative to body size. It uses these to collect oils from long-spurred flowers.
Did You Know?
The coevolution between its leg length and Diascia spur length is one of the most famous examples of a pollination arms race.
Mediterranean Webspinner
A small, brown webspinner native to the Mediterranean region. It constructs silk tunnels on rocks and walls, and reproduces parthenogenetically in many populations.
Did You Know?
Many populations consist entirely of females that reproduce without mating, a rare trait among insects.