Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Sweat Bee Stylops
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cuckoo Bumblebee | Sweat Bee Stylops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus vestalis | Stylops nevinsoni |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Apidae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 15-22mm | 2.0-3.0 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Sweat Bee Stylops
A strepsipteran endoparasite of Andrena bees in the British Isles. Parasitized bees emerge earlier than unparasitized individuals.
Did You Know?
Infected bees emerge from hibernation earlier in spring, which helps the strepsipteran synchronize its mating season.