Pearly-banded Bee vs Xyelid Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pearly-banded Bee | Xyelid Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nomia melanderi | Xyela julii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Halictidae | Xyelidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pearly-banded Bee
A ground-nesting bee with pearly white abdominal bands vital for alfalfa pollination. Large nesting aggregations in alkaline soils can contain millions of individuals.
Did You Know?
Farmers in the Pacific Northwest actively manage nesting sites to boost alfalfa seed yields.
Xyelid Sawfly
A tiny, delicate sawfly with a characteristic elongated third antennal segment. It is one of the most primitive living Hymenoptera, with fossils dating back to the Triassic.
Did You Know?
Xyelidae is the oldest extant family of Hymenoptera, with fossils known from over 200 million years ago.