Malagasy Rover Ant vs Fringed Leafcutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Rover Ant Fringed Leafcutter Bee
Scientific Name Tetramorium kelleri Megachile fidelis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Megachilidae
Size 2-4 mm 11-14 mm
Habitat Underground Beaches & Coastal
Diet Seed Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Madagascar Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Rover Ant

A small, dark brown ant with rugose sculpture on the head and thorax. It is part of a massive endemic radiation of Tetramorium in Madagascar.

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Did You Know?

Madagascar harbors 113 endemic Tetramorium species, one of the most spectacular ant radiations on any island.

Fringed Leafcutter Bee

A western North American leafcutter bee recognized by the dense fringe of golden hairs on its hind legs used for pollen transport. It nests in the ground, unusual for its genus.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most leafcutter bees that nest in cavities, it excavates burrows directly into sandy soil.