Desert Fire Ant vs African Stingless Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Fire Ant African Stingless Bee
Scientific Name Solenopsis aurea Meliponula bocandei
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Apidae
Size 2-6 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Carrion Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Fire Ant

A golden-colored fire ant native to the deserts of the American Southwest. It builds inconspicuous nests in sandy soil and forages for insects.

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Did You Know?

Unlike its notorious invasive cousin, it is docile and rarely stings unless its nest is directly disturbed.

African Stingless Bee

A small dark stingless bee that nests in tree hollows and produces a prized thin honey. Colonies can number several thousand workers.

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Did You Know?

Their honey is traditionally valued in West African medicine and can sell for ten times the price of regular honey.