Mormon Metalmark vs Squash Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mormon Metalmark | Squash Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apodemia mormo | Peponapis pruinosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Apidae |
| Size | 22-30 mm wingspan | 12-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America from Canada to Mexico | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern (species); some subspecies criticall | Not Evaluated |
Mormon Metalmark
A small butterfly with dark brown wings covered in white spots arranged in irregular bands. Several of its subspecies are critically endangered.
Did You Know?
The Lange's metalmark subspecies, restricted to a single sand dune in California, is one of the rarest butterflies in the world.
Squash Bee
A solitary ground-nesting bee that specializes exclusively in pollinating squash, pumpkin, and gourd flowers. It begins foraging before dawn when cucurbit flowers first open.
Did You Know?
Males often sleep inside closed squash blossoms at night, occasionally getting trapped when the flower wilts.