Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee vs Australian Owlfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee Australian Owlfly
Scientific Name Megachile willughbiella Suhpalacsa flavipes
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Megachilidae Ascalaphidae
Size 12-16 mm 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Central Asia Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee

A large, furry leafcutter bee common across Europe that nests in a variety of above-ground cavities. It is named after the 17th-century English naturalist Francis Willughby.

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Did You Know?

Females have been recorded cutting leaf pieces from over 20 different plant species to construct a single nest.

Australian Owlfly

A large Australian owlfly with smoky wings and yellow legs. Active at dusk in open eucalyptus woodland and dry grassland.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly encountered owlflies at light traps across inland Australia.