Red-tailed Bumblebee vs Banded Chalcid Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-tailed Bumblebee | Banded Chalcid Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus lapidarius | Chalcis sispes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Chalcididae |
| Size | 11-22 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe | Southern Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red-tailed Bumblebee
A jet-black bumblebee with a vivid orange-red tail that is unmistakable in flight. It commonly nests underground in old mouse burrows and stone walls.
Did You Know?
Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.
Banded Chalcid Wasp
A robust chalcid wasp with enlarged hind femora bearing tooth-like projections. It parasitizes the pupae of various flies and lepidopterans.
Did You Know?
Its massively swollen hind legs, armed with sharp teeth, help it grip surfaces when drilling into host pupae.