Two-coloured Mason Bee vs Persian Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Two-coloured Mason Bee | Persian Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia bicolor | Lertha sheppardi |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 28-36 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Iran, Middle East, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Two-coloured Mason Bee
A distinctive bee with a black head and thorax and bright orange abdominal hair. It uniquely nests inside empty snail shells on chalk grasslands.
Did You Know?
After filling a snail shell with pollen and eggs, the female camouflages it by piling grass and plant stems over it.
Persian Spoonwing
A Middle Eastern nemopterid found in arid steppe and desert-margin habitats. Adults have beautifully patterned forewings and long trailing hindwings.
Did You Know?
It emerges in brief spring blooms in the desert, matching its adult life to wildflower availability.