Cellophane Bee vs Underground Army Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cellophane Bee | Underground Army Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colletes thoracicus | Labidus coecus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Colletidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 2-7 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Caves |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Southern United States, Central America, South America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The transparent polyester lining it secretes is waterproof, fungus-resistant, and chemically similar to commercial plastic wrap.
Underground Army Ant
A mostly subterranean army ant that occasionally surfaces in massive raiding columns across the Americas. Workers are pale yellow, reflecting their underground lifestyle.
Did You Know?
They are the most frequently encountered army ants in the Americas but are rarely seen because of their subterranean habits.