Crotch's Bumblebee vs Oregon Oak Gall Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Crotch's Bumblebee Oregon Oak Gall Wasp
Scientific Name Bombus crotchii Besbicus mirabilis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Cynipidae
Size 10-16 mm 2–3 mm
Habitat Heathland Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Gall Makers
Regions California, western USA Western North America
Conservation Endangered Not Evaluated

Crotch's Bumblebee

A western North American bumblebee that has declined by over 90% from its historical range. Once common in California's Central Valley. Threatened by pesticides and habitat loss.

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Did You Know?

Has vanished from most of California's agricultural Central Valley where it was once the dominant bumblebee.

Oregon Oak Gall Wasp

A gall wasp that induces conspicuous galls on Oregon white oak in western North America. Galls form on leaf veins and can be quite abundant.

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Did You Know?

Native Americans used some oak galls medicinally as an astringent to treat mouth sores and skin wounds.