Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Garden Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Garden Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Arctia caja |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 50-73 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North America |
| 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.
Garden Tiger Moth
A boldly patterned moth with chocolate-and-white forewings and red-spotted hindwings.
Did You Know?
Its woolly bear caterpillar was the inspiration for weather folklore predictions.