Sweat Bee of the Desert vs West African Fungus-Growing Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sweat Bee of the Desert West African Fungus-Growing Termite
Scientific Name Lasioglossum titusi Macrotermes subhyalinus
Order Hymenoptera Blattodea
Family Halictidae Termitidae
Size 5-8 mm 3-18 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions North America West Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Sweat Bee of the Desert

A small metallic green bee found in arid regions of western North America. It nests communally in sandy desert soil.

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Did You Know?

It is attracted to human sweat for the salt it contains, which is scarce in desert environments.

West African Fungus-Growing Termite

A widespread African termite that builds large above-ground mounds and farms Termitomyces fungi. They are an important food source for humans and wildlife across West Africa.

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Did You Know?

Their winged reproductive alates are collected and roasted as a protein-rich delicacy during annual swarming events.