Hairy-saddled Colletes vs Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy-saddled Colletes | Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colletes succinctus | Acromyrmex versicolor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Colletidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 3-10 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Hairy-saddled Colletes
A late-summer plasterer bee that is a specialist on heather, secreting a cellophane-like lining in its underground nest cells. It is an important heathland indicator species.
Did You Know?
The cellophane-like substance it secretes to waterproof its nest cells is a unique biopolymer not found in any other group of animals.
Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
The only leaf-cutter ant adapted to true desert habitats in North America. It harvests leaves and flower petals to grow fungus gardens underground.
Did You Know?
Queens found new colonies after summer monsoon rains and may cooperate with other queens to share the initial digging work.