Texas Leafcutter Ant vs Hairy-footed Flower Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Texas Leafcutter Ant Hairy-footed Flower Bee
Scientific Name Atta texana Anthophora plumipes
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Apidae
Size 1.5-12 mm 14-16 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern United States, Northern Mexico Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Texas Leafcutter Ant

The northernmost leafcutter ant species, found in the southern United States. Nests can extend 6 meters deep and cover large underground areas.

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Did You Know?

Their underground nests can contain over 1,000 individual chambers connected by an intricate tunnel network.

Hairy-footed Flower Bee

A fast-flying, plump solitary bee with males covered in tawny hair and females jet black. It is one of the earliest spring bees, often visiting pulmonaria and comfrey.

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Did You Know?

Males hover in front of flowers like tiny hummingbirds, darting between blooms at high speed.