Lythrum Bee vs Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lythrum Bee | Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melitta nigricans | Pepsis thisbe |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 25-45 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Lythrum Bee
A specialist bee that collects pollen from purple loosestrife along rivers and wetland margins. It is a ground-nesting species found in damp habitats.
Did You Know?
It times its emergence precisely to the flowering of purple loosestrife in July, and in years of drought it may fail to reproduce entirely.
Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk
A large metallic blue-black spider wasp with vibrant orange wings found in the Sonoran Desert. Females hunt blonde tarantulas as food for their larvae.
Did You Know?
It is the official state insect of New Mexico despite having one of the most painful stings of any insect.