Smeathman's Furrow Bee vs Thread-waisted Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Smeathman's Furrow Bee | Thread-waisted Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lasioglossum smeathmanellum | Ammophila sabulosa |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Halictidae | Sphecidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 16-24 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
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.
Thread-waisted Wasp
An elegant wasp with an extremely narrow petiole and red-banded abdomen. It hunts caterpillars and carries them clasped beneath its body to sandy burrows.
Did You Know?
It uses a small pebble as a tool to tamp down the sand plug sealing its burrow, one of the earliest documented cases of tool use in insects.