Red Mason Bee vs Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Mason Bee | Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia bicornis | Scolia dubia |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Scoliidae |
| Size | 8-13 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Underground |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Mason Bee
A compact, ginger-haired solitary bee that nests in hollow stems and bee hotels. It is an exceptionally efficient pollinator of fruit trees in spring.
Did You Know?
A single red mason bee can do the pollination work of 120 honeybees on apple trees.
Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp
A black and reddish-brown wasp with iridescent blue wings commonly seen on flowers in late summer. It parasitizes green June beetle and Japanese beetle grubs.
Did You Know?
It is one of the best natural controls for Japanese beetle grubs, which are major lawn and garden pests.