Black Garden Ant vs Unequal Cellophane Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Garden Ant | Unequal Cellophane Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lasius niger | Colletes inaequalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Colletidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia, introduced to North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Garden Ant
The most common ant in Europe, dark brown to black with a slightly pubescent body. Colonies are monogynous and can persist for decades under a single long-lived queen. Workers are highly adaptable generalist foragers.
Did You Know?
Queens of this species can live for nearly 30 years, making them some of the longest-lived insects on Earth.
Unequal Cellophane Bee
An early spring bee that forms large nesting aggregations in sandy soil. It lines its cells with a waterproof secretion resembling cellophane.
Did You Know?
Nesting aggregations can alarm homeowners as thousands of bees emerge from lawns, but they are docile and rarely sting.