Lesser Citronella Ant vs Cape Oil-collecting Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Citronella Ant Cape Oil-collecting Bee
Scientific Name Lasius claviger Rediviva neliana
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Melittidae
Size 3-4 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Orchards Mountains
Diet Root Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Lesser Citronella Ant

A small yellow subterranean ant closely related to the larger citronella ant. It produces a citrus scent and lives in deep soil nests tending root aphids.

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Did You Know?

Citronella ants are obligate herders whose survival depends entirely on their symbiotic relationship with underground aphids.

Cape Oil-collecting Bee

A South African oil-collecting bee with extraordinarily long front legs used to extract floral oil from deep-spurred Diascia flowers. It is a solitary ground-nesting species.

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Did You Know?

Its front legs can be longer than its entire body, an extreme adaptation for reaching oils at the bottom of deep flower spurs.