Robust Large-headed Bee vs Bella Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robust Large-headed Bee Bella Moth
Scientific Name Stenotritus pubescens Utetheisa ornatrix
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Stenotritidae Arctiidae
Size 14-18 mm 33-46 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southern Australia Southeastern United States, Central and South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Robust Large-headed Bee

A heavily built bee covered in dense pale pubescence found in southern Australia. It is one of the fastest-flying bee species and is difficult to catch in flight.

💡

Did You Know?

It has been clocked flying at speeds exceeding 28 km/h, making it one of the fastest bees ever recorded.

Bella Moth

A brightly colored moth with pink-orange forewings covered in white and black spots. It sequesters toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its host plants for chemical defense.

💡

Did You Know?

Males transfer protective alkaloids to females during mating, which she then deposits onto her eggs to protect them.