Triplaris Ant vs Malagasy Orchid Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Triplaris Ant Malagasy Orchid Bee
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex triplarinus Liotrigona madecassa
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Apidae
Size 4-7 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions South America, Amazon Basin Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Triplaris Ant

A South American ant that inhabits the hollow stems of Triplaris trees in a mutualistic relationship. Workers swarm out and deliver painful stings when the host tree is disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Local people call Triplaris the 'devil tree' because touching it triggers an immediate attack by hundreds of stinging ants.

Malagasy Orchid Bee

A tiny stingless bee that is one of Madagascar's most important pollinators. It has a black body with pale wing membranes and forms colonies in hollow tree trunks.

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Did You Know?

Local communities harvest its honey, called 'tantely kely' in Malagasy, which is prized for its distinctive floral flavor and medicinal properties.