Australian Bull Ant vs Franklin's Bumble Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Bull Ant Franklin's Bumble Bee
Scientific Name Myrmecia pyriformis Bombus franklini
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Apidae
Size 15-25 mm 14-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Mountains
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia Western United States
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

Australian Bull Ant

A large aggressive ant with excellent vision and a powerful venomous sting, capable of jumping toward intruders. It has caused confirmed human fatalities through anaphylactic reactions.

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Did You Know?

They are one of the few ant species that can visually track and pursue individual targets over several meters.

Franklin's Bumble Bee

The world's most range-restricted bumble bee, found only in a small area between southern Oregon and northern California. It has not been reliably seen since 2006 and may be extinct.

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Did You Know?

Its entire known range spans only about 190 miles north to south, making it the most geographically restricted bumble bee on Earth.