Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Parasitic Wood Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cuckoo Bumblebee | Parasitic Wood Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus vestalis | Orussus abietinus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Orussidae |
| Size | 15-22mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Parasitic Wood Wasp
A small, dark-bodied wasp-like insect with a flattened head and short antennae inserted below the eyes. It is among the most primitive parasitoid Hymenoptera.
Did You Know?
Orussidae are considered the evolutionary link between sawflies and parasitoid wasps, making them key to understanding Hymenoptera evolution.