Trimmer's Mining Bee vs Woolly Alder Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Trimmer's Mining Bee Woolly Alder Sawfly
Scientific Name Andrena trimmerana Eriocampa ovata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Tenthredinidae
Size 10-12 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, introduced to North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Woolly Alder Sawfly

A small, dark sawfly whose larvae are covered in a white, woolly, waxy secretion. The larvae feed on the underside of alder leaves.

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Did You Know?

The white waxy covering on the larva closely resembles woolly aphids, a possible case of defensive mimicry.