Lesser Citronella Ant vs Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Citronella Ant Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee
Scientific Name Lasius claviger Megachile willughbiella
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Megachilidae
Size 3-4 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee

A large, furry leafcutter bee common across Europe that nests in a variety of above-ground cavities. It is named after the 17th-century English naturalist Francis Willughby.

💡

Did You Know?

Females have been recorded cutting leaf pieces from over 20 different plant species to construct a single nest.