Desert Digger Bee vs Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Digger Bee | Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centris pallida | Trachymyrmex septentrionalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Eastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Digger Bee
A large, fuzzy solitary bee of the Sonoran Desert that nests in burrows in hard-packed soil. Males patrol nesting areas and dig up emerging females to mate.
Did You Know?
Males locate females still underground by detecting their scent through the soil surface.
Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant
A small fungus-growing ant of eastern North America related to leafcutters. It collects dead plant material, caterpillar frass, and insect parts to feed its fungus garden.
Did You Know?
It is the northernmost fungus-growing ant species, found as far north as Long Island, New York.