Robust Large-headed Bee vs Parasitic Wood Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robust Large-headed Bee Parasitic Wood Wasp
Scientific Name Stenotritus pubescens Orussus abietinus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Stenotritidae Orussidae
Size 14-18 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Southern Australia Europe, Western Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Parasitic Wood Wasp

A small, dark-bodied wasp-like insect with a flattened head and short antennae inserted below the eyes. It is among the most primitive parasitoid Hymenoptera.

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Did You Know?

Orussidae are considered the evolutionary link between sawflies and parasitoid wasps, making them key to understanding Hymenoptera evolution.