Sandpit Mining Bee vs Braconid Mummy Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sandpit Mining Bee Braconid Mummy Wasp
Scientific Name Andrena barbilabris Aphidius matricariae
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Braconidae
Size 10-13 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sandpit Mining Bee

A pale, sandy-colored mining bee that specializes in nesting in loose sandy soils. It is commonly found in sand pits, coastal dunes, and sandy heaths.

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Did You Know?

Its pale sandy coloring provides excellent camouflage against the light soils where it nests, making it nearly invisible when resting.

Braconid Mummy Wasp

A small parasitoid wasp specializing in green peach aphids and other crop pest aphids. It is commercially reared for biological pest control.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect which aphids have already been parasitized and avoid wasting eggs on them.