Tree Bumblebee vs Water Treader

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tree Bumblebee Water Treader
Scientific Name Bombus hypnorum Mesovelia mulsanti
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Apidae Mesoveliidae
Size 11-18mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Americas, from United States to South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tree Bumblebee

A distinctive bumblebee with a brown thorax, black abdomen and white tail. Often nests in bird boxes.

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Did You Know?

A recent and rapid colonizer of Britain since 2001, frequently nesting in bird boxes and roof spaces.

Water Treader

A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.

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Did You Know?

It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.