Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee vs Thistle Gall Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee | Thistle Gall Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megachile willughbiella | Isocolus scabiosae |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Cynipidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Meadows |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Females have been recorded cutting leaf pieces from over 20 different plant species to construct a single nest.
Thistle Gall Wasp
A minute gall-inducing wasp that forms swellings on knapweed flower heads. It has been studied as a potential biocontrol agent for invasive knapweeds.
Did You Know?
A single flower head can contain dozens of tiny gall chambers, each housing one larva.