Sonoran Blue vs Patagonian Bumble Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sonoran Blue Patagonian Bumble Bee
Scientific Name Philotes sonorensis Bombus dahlbomii
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lycaenidae Apidae
Size 18-22 mm wingspan 20-40 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western North America Chile, Argentina
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Sonoran Blue

Tiny blue butterfly with orange and black hindwing spots. One of the earliest-flying butterflies of the year in the American West.

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Did You Know?

Adults fly as early as February, when few other butterflies are active in their range.

Patagonian Bumble Bee

The largest bumble bee in the world, with queens reaching up to 40 mm in length and covered in dense orange fur. Its populations have collapsed following the introduction of European bumble bees to South America.

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Did You Know?

Locals call it the flying mouse due to its enormous size and dense furry appearance.