Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Buff-tip
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Buff-tip |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Phalera bucephala |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Notodontidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 55-68 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Buff-tip
A moth that mimics a broken birch twig with remarkable precision when at rest. Its silvery-grey wings end in a buff-coloured patch resembling exposed wood.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars feed communally in large groups and can completely defoliate small trees.