Lesser Bullet Ant vs Red-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Bullet Ant Red-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Neoponera villosa Bombus lapidarius
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Apidae
Size 10-14 mm 11-22 mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern United States, Central America, South America Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Bullet Ant

A large black ponerine ant found from Texas through South America with a powerful sting. It nests in tree hollows and dead wood, foraging arboreally at night.

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Did You Know?

It is sometimes called the 'false bullet ant' because its sting, while very painful, is less severe than that of Paraponera.

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.