Painted Nomad Bee vs Giant Honey Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Nomad Bee Giant Honey Bee
Scientific Name Nomada fucata Apis dorsata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Apidae
Size 8-10mm 17-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Painted Nomad Bee

A bright yellow and black cuckoo bee that parasitizes the nests of Andrena mining bees.

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Did You Know?

Sneaks into mining bee nests while the host is away foraging and lays eggs that will outcompete the host's larva.

Giant Honey Bee

The largest honey bee species, building huge exposed single-comb nests on cliff faces and tall buildings. Colonies can contain up to 100,000 workers.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, the colony performs a mesmerizing shimmering defense wave that ripples across the nest surface to deter predators.