Mountain Bumblebee vs Soybean Aphid Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Bumblebee Soybean Aphid Parasite
Scientific Name Bombus monticola Binodoxys communis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Braconidae
Size 12-18 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Mountains Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, alpine regions of Europe East Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Bumblebee

A colorful bumblebee with bright red-orange tail, yellow thorax bands, and a black midriff. It is found at high altitudes and latitudes where it is an important pollinator. Queens are among the earliest bees to emerge.

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Did You Know?

This bumblebee can forage in driving rain and near-gale winds that keep other pollinating insects grounded.

Soybean Aphid Parasite

A tiny Asian braconid wasp studied as a biocontrol candidate for the invasive soybean aphid in North America. It is highly specific to its aphid host.

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Did You Know?

It underwent years of rigorous safety testing before being approved for release against soybean aphids in North America.