Patagonian Bumble Bee vs Golden Carpenter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Patagonian Bumble Bee Golden Carpenter Ant
Scientific Name Bombus dahlbomii Camponotus sericeiventris
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Formicidae
Size 20-40 mm 8-18 mm
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Chile, Argentina Central and South America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Patagonian Bumble Bee

The largest bumble bee in the world, with queens reaching up to 40 mm in length and covered in dense orange fur. Its populations have collapsed following the introduction of European bumble bees to South America.

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Did You Know?

Locals call it the flying mouse due to its enormous size and dense furry appearance.

Golden Carpenter Ant

A striking large ant with dense golden or silvery pubescence covering its gaster, giving it a metallic sheen. Workers are among the largest ants in the Neotropics. They nest in both live and dead trees in tropical forests.

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Did You Know?

The dense pubescence on their body is thought to serve a thermoregulatory function similar to the Saharan silver ant.