Lythrum Bee vs Long-winged Conehead

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lythrum Bee Long-winged Conehead
Scientific Name Melitta nigricans Conocephalus discolor
Order Hymenoptera Orthoptera
Family Melittidae Tettigoniidae
Size 10-12 mm 12-18 mm body
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Pollen Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

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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.

Long-winged Conehead

A slim green bush-cricket with a pointed head that has dramatically expanded its range northward in Britain. Produces a very high-pitched, barely audible song. Found in tall grass and rushes.

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Did You Know?

Its ultrasonic song is at such a high frequency that many people cannot hear it, even when the insect is nearby.