Orchid Bee vs Great Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orchid Bee | Great Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euglossa imperialis | Atlides halesus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 12-28 mm | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orchid Bee
Dazzling metallic-colored bees that collect aromatic compounds from orchids. Males use collected scents to attract females. Key pollinators of many tropical orchid species.
Did You Know?
Male orchid bees collect fragrances from orchids and store them in special hind leg pouches — each male creates a unique perfume blend to attract females.
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.