Sunflower Treehopper vs Trimmer's Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sunflower Treehopper Trimmer's Mining Bee
Scientific Name Heliria cristata Andrena trimmerana
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Membracidae Andrenidae
Size 5-8 mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sunflower Treehopper

A small brown treehopper with a tall dorsal crest on its pronotum that gives it a distinctive high-backed silhouette. It is commonly found on sunflowers and other composites.

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Did You Know?

Its high pronotal crest may serve as a thermoregulatory surface, helping to dissipate heat while the insect feeds in exposed sunny locations.

Trimmer's Mining Bee

A widespread spring mining bee with brownish-grey fur and a distinctive tooth on the hind femur. It forages on a wide range of early-blooming flowers.

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Did You Know?

The small femoral tooth on its hind leg distinguishes it from nearly all other European Andrena species.