Painted Nomad Bee vs Sugarbag Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Nomad Bee Sugarbag Bee
Scientific Name Nomada fucata Tetragonula carbonaria
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Apidae
Size 8-10mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Eastern Australia
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.

Sugarbag Bee

A tiny Australian stingless bee commonly kept in backyard hives for pollination and honey. They build distinctive spiral brood combs inside their nests.

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Did You Know?

Their honey, called sugarbag, has a distinctive tangy flavor and is prized for its purported medicinal properties.