Pennant Ant vs European Oil Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pennant Ant European Oil Bee
Scientific Name Technomyrmex albipes Macropis europaea
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Melittidae
Size 2.5-3 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Pennant Ant

A small dark ant with conspicuous whitish legs that forms long trailing columns up trees. It is a widespread tramp species found throughout the Old World tropics.

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Did You Know?

They are important dispersal agents for certain epiphytic plants whose seeds they carry to tree crevices.

European Oil Bee

One of only two Northern Hemisphere bees that collect floral oils instead of nectar as a food provision. It collects oils from yellow loosestrife flowers.

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Did You Know?

It mixes collected floral oil with pollen to create a waterproof, long-lasting larval food that resists mold in its damp underground nests.