Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Elm Zigzag Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Elm Zigzag Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Aproceros leucopoda |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Argidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | East Asia, invasive in Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee
A brood parasitic bumblebee that takes over colonies of the Buff-tailed Bumblebee. The female kills or subdues the host queen and uses the workers to raise her own offspring.
Did You Know?
Females infiltrate host bumblebee nests and take them over by force, enslaving the workers to raise cuckoo brood.
Elm Zigzag Sawfly
A small, pale green sawfly of East Asian origin that has become invasive in Europe. Larvae create distinctive zigzag feeding patterns on elm leaves.
Did You Know?
This species reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis in its invasive range; males have never been found in Europe.