Four-banded Furrow Bee vs Platter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-banded Furrow Bee Platter Ant
Scientific Name Halictus quadricinctus Cataulacus intrudens
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Halictidae Formicidae
Size 14-16 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southern and Central Europe, Western Asia West and Central Africa
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Four-banded Furrow Bee

A large, robust halictid bee with four prominent white hair bands across its dark abdomen. It is one of the biggest sweat bees in Europe.

💡

Did You Know?

At up to 16 mm long, it is almost as large as a honey bee and dwarfs most other species in its family.

Platter Ant

An arboreal African ant with a heavily armored, flattened body and sculptured cuticle. Workers have a broad, shield-like head that can be used to block nest entrances. They nest in tree holes and have a slow, deliberate gait.

💡

Did You Know?

Their flattened body and strong tarsal grip allow them to resist removal by predators by clamping flat against bark surfaces.