Punctate Sweat Bee vs Velvet Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Punctate Sweat Bee Velvet Tree Ant
Scientific Name Lasioglossum punctatissimum Liometopum occidentale
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Halictidae Formicidae
Size 5-6 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Punctate Sweat Bee

A tiny, dark furrow bee with dense punctation covering its thorax and head. It is one of the most common but overlooked solitary bees in European grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Its heavily sculpted exoskeleton with thousands of tiny pits gives it a matte finish that distinguishes it from shinier related species.

Velvet Tree Ant

A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.

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Did You Know?

Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.