Median Wasp vs Robust Large-headed Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Median Wasp Robust Large-headed Bee
Scientific Name Dolichovespula media Stenotritus pubescens
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Vespidae Stenotritidae
Size 15-22 mm 14-18 mm
Habitat Underground Beaches & Coastal
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Southern Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Median Wasp

A large social wasp that builds aerial paper nests in trees and shrubs across Europe. They are less aggressive than yellowjackets and colonies typically contain around 200 workers.

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Did You Know?

Their nests are beautifully layered with bands of different colored paper made from various wood sources.

Robust Large-headed Bee

A heavily built bee covered in dense pale pubescence found in southern Australia. It is one of the fastest-flying bee species and is difficult to catch in flight.

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Did You Know?

It has been clocked flying at speeds exceeding 28 km/h, making it one of the fastest bees ever recorded.