Odorous House Ant vs Unequal Cellophane Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Odorous House Ant | Unequal Cellophane Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tapinoma sessile | Colletes inaequalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Colletidae |
| Size | 2.5-3 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Unequal Cellophane Bee
An early spring bee that forms large nesting aggregations in sandy soil. It lines its cells with a waterproof secretion resembling cellophane.
Did You Know?
Nesting aggregations can alarm homeowners as thousands of bees emerge from lawns, but they are docile and rarely sting.