Western Bumble Bee vs Cuckoo Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Bumble Bee | Cuckoo Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus occidentalis | Chrysis ignita |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Chrysididae |
| Size | 10-22 mm | 6-12 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Western Bumble Bee
A once-common bumble bee of western North America that has experienced dramatic population declines since the late 1990s. They nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows.
Did You Know?
Their catastrophic decline is linked to a pathogen accidentally spread through commercial bumble bee rearing facilities.
Cuckoo Wasp
A stunning metallic jewel-toned wasp that lays eggs in other wasps nests. Can curl into an armored ball when attacked. Its iridescent colors are among the most vivid in nature.
Did You Know?
Cuckoo wasps have an armored concave underside — when discovered by the host wasp, they curl into a perfect shiny ball that the host cannot sting through.