Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs Hazel Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | Hazel Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Croesus septentrionalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western 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.
Hazel Sawfly
A medium-sized sawfly with an orange abdomen and dark thorax. The bluish-green larvae with black heads feed gregariously on hazel, birch, and alder.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, the gregarious larvae raise their tails simultaneously in an S-shape, creating an intimidating group display to deter predators.