Blood Bee vs Fiji Tree Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blood Bee | Fiji Tree Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphecodes monilicornis | Paraparatrechina oceanica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Halictidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Oceania (Fiji) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blood Bee
A cleptoparasitic bee with a bright red abdomen and black head that attacks the nests of furrow bees. Females enter host nests to lay eggs that hatch and consume the host provisions.
Did You Know?
Its blood-red abdomen is the source of its common name and makes it look more like a ruby-colored ant than a bee.
Fiji Tree Ant
A native ant species found in tropical forests of Fiji, where it nests in tree cavities and under bark. Pacific Island ant faunas are relatively depauperate compared to continental regions. This species plays a role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.
Did You Know?
Fiji's native ant fauna evolved in near-total isolation, resulting in a unique community that is now threatened by invasive ant species.