Unequal Cellophane Bee vs Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Unequal Cellophane Bee Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant
Scientific Name Colletes inaequalis Trachymyrmex septentrionalis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Colletidae Formicidae
Size 10-13 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions North America Eastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Unequal Cellophane Bee

An early spring bee that forms large nesting aggregations in sandy soil. It lines its cells with a waterproof secretion resembling cellophane.

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Did You Know?

Nesting aggregations can alarm homeowners as thousands of bees emerge from lawns, but they are docile and rarely sting.

Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant

A small fungus-growing ant of eastern North America related to leafcutters. It collects dead plant material, caterpillar frass, and insect parts to feed its fungus garden.

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Did You Know?

It is the northernmost fungus-growing ant species, found as far north as Long Island, New York.