Dinosaur Ant vs Desert Honeybee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dinosaur Ant | Desert Honeybee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nothomyrmecia macrops | Apis mellifera jemenitica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Apidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | Africa, Middle East |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Dinosaur Ant
Considered the most primitive living ant, often called a living fossil. Discovered in 1931 and then lost for 46 years until rediscovered in 1977 in South Australia.
Did You Know?
This ant was lost to science for 46 years after its discovery — rediscovered by pure luck when an entomologist pulled over to sleep at the roadside where they happened to live.
Desert Honeybee
A small, heat-tolerant subspecies of honeybee native to the deserts of Africa and Arabia. It can forage at temperatures that would ground other bee subspecies.
Did You Know?
It is highly resistant to the Varroa mite, making it a valuable genetic resource for beekeeping worldwide.