Larger Citronella Ant vs Red-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larger Citronella Ant Red-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Lasius interjectus Bombus lapidarius
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Apidae
Size 4-4.5 mm 11-22 mm
Habitat Caves Grasslands
Diet Root Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Larger Citronella Ant

A subterranean yellow ant that emits a strong lemon-like odor when crushed. It lives entirely underground tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew.

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Did You Know?

These ants are rarely seen above ground except during mating flights, when winged reproductives emerge in large swarms.

Red-tailed Bumblebee

A jet-black bumblebee with a vivid orange-red tail that is unmistakable in flight. It commonly nests underground in old mouse burrows and stone walls.

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Did You Know?

Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.