Tawny Mining Bee vs Garden Carpet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tawny Mining Bee Garden Carpet
Scientific Name Andrena fulva Xanthorhoe fluctuata
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Andrenidae Geometridae
Size 8-14 mm 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tawny Mining Bee

A solitary bee covered in dense bright orange-brown fur that gives it a foxy appearance. Females excavate individual nest burrows in lawns and garden paths each spring.

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Did You Know?

Each female digs her own nest burrow up to 30 centimeters deep and provisions several underground chambers with pollen balls, each topped with a single egg.

Garden Carpet

A very common garden moth with variable grey and white patterning. Double-brooded with adults flying from April to October. Larvae feed on various cruciferous plants including garlic mustard.

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Did You Know?

One of the most frequently recorded moths in garden moth traps across Britain.