Cuckoo Bumblebee vs African Net-winged Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cuckoo Bumblebee | African Net-winged Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus vestalis | Lycus trabeatus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Lycidae |
| Size | 15-22mm | 15-30 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | East Africa, Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cuckoo Bumblebee
A social parasite that invades buff-tailed bumblebee nests, kills the queen and enslaves the workers.
Did You Know?
Enters the nest of its host species, fights and kills the queen, then forces the workers to raise her own offspring.
African Net-winged Beetle
A brightly orange-red beetle with distinctive net-like wing venation and broad expanded elytra. It is toxic and serves as a model for many mimicry complexes.
Did You Know?
Several unrelated beetle and moth species mimic its bright warning coloration to gain protection from predators.