Dinosaur Ant vs Sweat Bee of the Desert

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dinosaur Ant Sweat Bee of the Desert
Scientific Name Nothomyrmecia macrops Lasioglossum titusi
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Halictidae
Size 10-15 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania North America
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.

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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.

Sweat Bee of the Desert

A small metallic green bee found in arid regions of western North America. It nests communally in sandy desert soil.

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Did You Know?

It is attracted to human sweat for the salt it contains, which is scarce in desert environments.