Patagonian Bumble Bee vs Cotton Stainer Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Patagonian Bumble Bee Cotton Stainer Bug
Scientific Name Bombus dahlbomii Dysdercus suturellus
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Apidae Pyrrhocoridae
Size 20-40 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Chile, Argentina North America, Central America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Patagonian Bumble Bee

The largest bumble bee in the world, with queens reaching up to 40 mm in length and covered in dense orange fur. Its populations have collapsed following the introduction of European bumble bees to South America.

💡

Did You Know?

Locals call it the flying mouse due to its enormous size and dense furry appearance.

Cotton Stainer Bug

A red and black bug that stains cotton bolls by introducing fungal spores while feeding.

💡

Did You Know?

Aggregations of hundreds gather on fallen cotton bolls and hibiscus seed pods.