Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Sulawesi Honey Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Sulawesi Honey Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Apis nigrocincta |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Apidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Indonesia, Philippines |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
Sulawesi Honey Bee
A cavity-nesting honey bee endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands. It was only recognized as a distinct species in 2000 after genetic analysis.
Did You Know?
It was long confused with Apis cerana until DNA studies confirmed it as a separate species.