Black Imported Fire Ant vs Green Metallic Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Imported Fire Ant | Green Metallic Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis richteri | Augochloropsis metallica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Halictidae |
| Size | 2-6 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America, Southeastern United States | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Black Imported Fire Ant
A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.
Did You Know?
They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.
Green Metallic Bee
A large, robustly built metallic green sweat bee common throughout eastern North America. It is a ground-nesting communal species often found in dense nesting aggregations.
Did You Know?
Despite their jewel-like appearance, they are commonly overlooked because they are often mistaken for small green flies.