European Beewolf vs Fiji Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Beewolf Fiji Tree Ant
Scientific Name Philanthus triangulum Paraparatrechina oceanica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Crabronidae Formicidae
Size 12-18 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe Oceania (Fiji)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Beewolf

A large, striking yellow-and-black solitary wasp that specialises in hunting honeybees. Females paralyse bees in flight and carry them back to sandy burrow nests.

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Did You Know?

Females embalm their honeybee prey with an antifungal secretion to keep it fresh for their larvae.

Fiji Tree Ant

A native ant species found in tropical forests of Fiji, where it nests in tree cavities and under bark. Pacific Island ant faunas are relatively depauperate compared to continental regions. This species plays a role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.

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Did You Know?

Fiji's native ant fauna evolved in near-total isolation, resulting in a unique community that is now threatened by invasive ant species.