Franklin's Bumble Bee vs Mediterranean Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Franklin's Bumble Bee | Mediterranean Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus franklini | Messor capitatus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 4-12 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Western United States | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Franklin's Bumble Bee
The world's most range-restricted bumble bee, found only in a small area between southern Oregon and northern California. It has not been reliably seen since 2006 and may be extinct.
Did You Know?
Its entire known range spans only about 190 miles north to south, making it the most geographically restricted bumble bee on Earth.
Mediterranean Harvester Ant
A large dark brown harvester ant common in southern Europe and North Africa. Major workers have distinctly enlarged heads relative to their body size. Colonies build deep nests with specialized seed storage chambers.
Did You Know?
Workers chew seeds into a paste called 'ant bread' which they store in dry chambers and feed to larvae.