Sandpit Mining Bee vs Orange Caterpillar Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sandpit Mining Bee Orange Caterpillar Parasite
Scientific Name Andrena barbilabris Netelia ephippitarsus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Ichneumonidae
Size 10-13 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Australia, Southeast Asia
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.

Orange Caterpillar Parasite

A slender, amber-orange ichneumon wasp found across Australasia. It attaches eggs to caterpillars and the larva feeds externally on its host.

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Did You Know?

Female wasps can deliver a mild sting if handled, which is unusual among ichneumon wasps.