Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee vs Brown-tail Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee | Brown-tail Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Andrena nasuta | Euproctis chrysorrhoea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Andrenidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 11-13 mm | 36-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee
A specialist mining bee with an elongated face adapted for feeding on tubular flowers, particularly viper's bugloss. It is found primarily in coastal and sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
Its elongated face and tongue are so specialized for viper's bugloss flowers that it struggles to feed from most other flower shapes.
Brown-tail Moth
A white moth with a conspicuous brown tuft of hairs at the tip of its abdomen, used to cover its eggs. The caterpillar's hairs are highly irritating and can cause widespread rashes.
Did You Know?
Shed caterpillar hairs can become airborne and cause respiratory distress in people kilometres from the colony.