Odorous House Ant vs Broad-footed Colletes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Odorous House Ant | Broad-footed Colletes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tapinoma sessile | Colletes halophilus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Colletidae |
| Size | 2.5-3 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Western Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Odorous House Ant
A small dark brown ant that emits a distinctive rotten coconut smell when crushed. It is one of the most common household pest ants in North America.
Did You Know?
The smell produced when crushed is caused by methyl ketones, the same compounds found in blue cheese.
Broad-footed Colletes
A rare coastal specialist plasterer bee that forages on sea aster in saltmarsh habitats. It is restricted to a narrow band of habitat along European coasts.
Did You Know?
Rising sea levels and saltmarsh erosion directly threaten its nesting sites, making it one of the bees most vulnerable to climate change.