Long-legged Oil Bee vs Little Fire Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-legged Oil Bee | Little Fire Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rediviva longimanus | Wasmannia auropunctata |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 12-15 mm | 1-1.5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South Africa | Central America, South America, Pacific Islands, Africa |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Long-legged Oil Bee
An extraordinary South African bee whose front legs are nearly twice its body length, the longest of any bee relative to body size. It uses these to collect oils from long-spurred flowers.
Did You Know?
The coevolution between its leg length and Diascia spur length is one of the most famous examples of a pollination arms race.
Little Fire Ant
A tiny golden-brown ant with a painful sting far out of proportion to its size. It is one of the most destructive invasive species, blinding pets and wildlife in infested areas.
Did You Know?
Queens reproduce clonally, producing daughter queens genetically identical to themselves through a unique reproductive system.