Smeathman's Furrow Bee vs Plum Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Smeathman's Furrow Bee Plum Sawfly
Scientific Name Lasioglossum smeathmanellum Hoplocampa flava
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Halictidae Tenthredinidae
Size 4-5 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Underground Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Smeathman's Furrow Bee

One of the smallest bees in the world, this tiny metallic species nests in old mortar joints and earthen banks. It is surprisingly common in European towns and cities.

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Did You Know?

At just 4 mm long it is barely larger than a grain of rice and is frequently mistaken for a tiny fly.

Plum Sawfly

A small, yellowish-brown sawfly that is a pest of plum orchards. Larvae bore into developing plum fruitlets, causing them to drop prematurely.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can be detected by their distinctive wet frass, which oozes from entry holes in young plum fruitlets.