Maricopa Harvester Ant vs African Carpenter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maricopa Harvester Ant | African Carpenter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pogonomyrmex maricopa | Xylocopa caffra |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Apidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 20-28 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Southern Africa, East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Maricopa Harvester Ant
Produces the most toxic insect venom known — with an LD50 of 0.12 mg/kg in mice. Just 12 stings can deliver a lethal dose to a 2 kg mammal.
Did You Know?
The venom of this ant is 20 times more potent than honey bee venom — it is the most toxic insect venom ever measured, yet the ant is only stung-aggressive when defending its nest.
African Carpenter Bee
A large robust bee with a shiny black body and yellowish thoracic hair in males. It excavates nesting tunnels in dead wood and plant stems.
Did You Know?
Despite their intimidating size and loud buzzing, males are completely harmless as they lack a stinger.