Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Gothic Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Gothic Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Naenia typica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 40-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Gothic Moth
A dark brown moth with intricate pale crosslines and markings resembling Gothic architecture. It is increasingly scarce across much of its former range.
Did You Know?
Despite being widespread, it has declined by over 80% in parts of northern Europe in recent decades.