Cellophane Bee vs Gnamptogenys Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cellophane Bee Gnamptogenys Ant
Scientific Name Colletes thoracicus Gnamptogenys striatula
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Colletidae Formicidae
Size 10-12 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions Eastern North America South America, Brazil, Argentina
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cellophane Bee

A spring-flying plasterer bee native to eastern North America with dense reddish-brown thoracic hair. It lines its brood cells with a secreted polyester-like film.

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Did You Know?

The transparent polyester lining it secretes is waterproof, fungus-resistant, and chemically similar to commercial plastic wrap.

Gnamptogenys Ant

A small predatory ectatomminine ant with strongly striate sculpturing covering its body. It hunts in leaf litter and rotten wood in South American forests.

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Did You Know?

Colonies can reproduce by clonal reproduction, with workers producing new workers without mating.