Clarke's Mining Bee vs Bullet Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clarke's Mining Bee Bullet Ant
Scientific Name Andrena clarkella Paraponera clavata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Formicidae
Size 10-14 mm 18-30 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Clarke's Mining Bee

An early spring bee with females covered in bright orange-red fur. It is closely associated with willow catkins for pollen.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first solitary bees to emerge each spring, sometimes appearing as early as February.

Bullet Ant

Named for its extremely painful sting, rated 4+ on the Schmidt Pain Index. Indigenous Satere-Mawe people use them in warrior initiation rites. The pain can last 24 hours.

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Did You Know?

The bullet ants sting is the most painful of any insect — described as waves of burning, throbbing, all-consuming pain that lasts up to 24 hours without any relief.