Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Amazon Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Amazon Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Cocytius antaeus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 130-175 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Brazil, Central America, Caribbean, southern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee
A brood parasitic bumblebee that takes over colonies of the Buff-tailed Bumblebee. The female kills or subdues the host queen and uses the workers to raise her own offspring.
Did You Know?
Females infiltrate host bumblebee nests and take them over by force, enslaving the workers to raise cuckoo brood.
Amazon Sphinx Moth
One of the largest sphinx moths in the Americas with a long, narrow body and pointed wings. Its tongue can exceed 30 centimeters in length.
Did You Know?
Its extraordinarily long proboscis evolved alongside deep-tubed orchids in a classic example of co-evolution.