Spined Sweat Bee vs Orange Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spined Sweat Bee Orange Sulphur
Scientific Name Agapostemon splendens Colias eurytheme
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Halictidae Pieridae
Size 9-12 mm 35-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spined Sweat Bee

A brilliantly iridescent green sweat bee with bluish reflections found in the eastern United States. Both sexes are entirely metallic green, unlike many other Agapostemon species.

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Did You Know?

It strongly prefers nesting in moist or damp soil near water, unlike most other sweat bees that prefer drier substrates.

Orange Sulphur

Orange-yellow butterfly with black wing borders and a pink-rimmed silver spot on the hindwing underside. Often hybridizes with Clouded Sulphur.

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Did You Know?

It became vastly more abundant after European settlers introduced alfalfa farming across North America.