Yellow Ophion vs Blue Mason Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Ophion | Blue Mason Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ophion obscuratus | Osmia caerulescens |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow Ophion
A laterally flattened, tawny-yellow parasitoid wasp active at dusk and after dark. Its larvae develop as internal parasitoids of noctuid moth caterpillars.
Did You Know?
Its laterally compressed abdomen is thought to help it slip between grass blades when searching for host caterpillars.
Blue Mason Bee
A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.
Did You Know?
Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.