Spined Sweat Bee vs Small Brown Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spined Sweat Bee Small Brown Stonefly
Scientific Name Agapostemon splendens Nemoura cinerea
Order Hymenoptera Plecoptera
Family Halictidae Nemouridae
Size 9-12 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia
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.

Small Brown Stonefly

A very common small brown stonefly found in a wide range of freshwater habitats across Europe. It is one of the most tolerant stoneflies to mild pollution.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most stonefly species that require pristine water, this species can tolerate mildly enriched conditions, making it one of the last stoneflies found in degraded streams.