Swede Midge vs White-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swede Midge White-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Contarinia nasturtii Bombus lucorum
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Apidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 11-20mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.

White-tailed Bumblebee

A common bumblebee with two yellow bands and a white tail. Part of a complex of similar-looking species.

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Did You Know?

Actually comprises three nearly identical species only reliably separated by DNA analysis or chemical signatures.