Long-legged Oil Bee vs Neotropical Blue Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-legged Oil Bee | Neotropical Blue Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rediviva longimanus | Pseudolycaena marsyas |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 12-15 mm | 35-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South Africa | Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia |
| 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.
Neotropical Blue Hairstreak
A brilliant iridescent blue hairstreak butterfly with delicate tail streamers on the hind wings. Its underside is pale grey with fine dark lines.
Did You Know?
Its false head pattern on the hind wing tips, complete with fake antennae, tricks predators into attacking the wrong end.