Waterlily Borer Moth vs Flat-tailed Leaf-cutter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Waterlily Borer Moth | Flat-tailed Leaf-cutter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elophila gyralis | Megachile mendica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm wingspan | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Waterlily Borer Moth
A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.
Did You Know?
The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.
Flat-tailed Leaf-cutter Bee
A medium-sized leaf-cutter bee with pale abdominal hair bands. It provisions its nest cells with carefully cut pieces of rose and birch leaves.
Did You Know?
It can cut a perfect leaf disc in under 10 seconds using its sharp mandibles.