Thatching Ant vs Arctic Bumblebee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thatching Ant | Arctic Bumblebee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Formica obscuripes | Bombus polaris |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Apidae |
| Size | 4-8 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Thatching Ant
A mound-building ant of western North America that constructs large thatched nests from plant debris. Workers are bicolored red and black with powerful mandibles.
Did You Know?
Their mounds can reach over a meter tall and persist for decades, becoming important microhabitats for other organisms.
Arctic Bumblebee
A large, densely furred bumblebee with yellow and black banding adapted to extreme cold. Its thick pile of hair provides superior insulation. Queens emerge from hibernation as soon as snow melts.
Did You Know?
This bumblebee can maintain its flight muscle temperature at 30 degrees Celsius even when the air temperature is near freezing, thanks to its exceptional insulation.