Painted Nomad Bee vs Apache Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Nomad Bee Apache Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Nomada fucata Polistes apachus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Vespidae
Size 8-10mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Painted Nomad Bee

A bright yellow and black cuckoo bee that parasitizes the nests of Andrena mining bees.

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Did You Know?

Sneaks into mining bee nests while the host is away foraging and lays eggs that will outcompete the host's larva.

Apache Paper Wasp

A large paper wasp of the American Southwest with yellow and reddish-brown coloring. It constructs open paper comb nests in sheltered locations like building overhangs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest paper wasps in North America and is particularly common around desert homes and ranch buildings.