Knapweed Gall Weevil vs Two-coloured Mason Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Knapweed Gall Weevil | Two-coloured Mason Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bangasternus fausti | Osmia bicolor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Knapweed Gall Weevil
A weevil that induces galls in knapweed flower heads. Larvae develop inside the enlarged flower buds. Used in biological control of invasive knapweeds in North America.
Did You Know?
Released in North America as biocontrol for invasive spotted knapweed, which costs ranchers millions annually.
Two-coloured Mason Bee
A distinctive bee with a black head and thorax and bright orange abdominal hair. It uniquely nests inside empty snail shells on chalk grasslands.
Did You Know?
After filling a snail shell with pollen and eggs, the female camouflages it by piling grass and plant stems over it.