Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee vs Dark Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee | Dark Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Andrena nasuta | Cantharis obscura |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Andrenidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 11-13 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Meadows |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| 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.
Dark Soldier Beetle
A dark-colored European soldier beetle often found on umbelliferous flowers. Its entirely dark elytra distinguish it from the more colorful soldier beetle species.
Did You Know?
Larvae are velvety black and hunt small invertebrates among leaf litter throughout the winter months.