Macropis Cuckoo Bee vs Trimmer's Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Macropis Cuckoo Bee Trimmer's Mining Bee
Scientific Name Epeoloides coecutiens Andrena trimmerana
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Melittidae Andrenidae
Size 7-10 mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Macropis Cuckoo Bee

A rare cleptoparasitic bee that targets nests of Macropis oil-collecting bees. It was once thought extinct in North America before being rediscovered in Nova Scotia in 2002.

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Did You Know?

Its dramatic rediscovery in North America after decades of presumed extinction made international conservation news.

Trimmer's Mining Bee

A widespread spring mining bee with brownish-grey fur and a distinctive tooth on the hind femur. It forages on a wide range of early-blooming flowers.

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Did You Know?

The small femoral tooth on its hind leg distinguishes it from nearly all other European Andrena species.