Western Large-headed Bee vs Dinosaur Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Large-headed Bee Dinosaur Ant
Scientific Name Ctenocolletes smaragdinus Nothomyrmecia macrops
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Stenotritidae Formicidae
Size 10-14 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Western Australia Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Critically Endangered

Western Large-headed Bee

A metallic green bee endemic to Western Australia that belongs to the ancient family Stenotritidae. It nests in sandy soil and forages on native shrubs.

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Did You Know?

Its metallic green coloring is unusual for the Stenotritidae family, most of which are dull brown or black.

Dinosaur Ant

Considered the most primitive living ant, often called a living fossil. Discovered in 1931 and then lost for 46 years until rediscovered in 1977 in South Australia.

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Did You Know?

This ant was lost to science for 46 years after its discovery — rediscovered by pure luck when an entomologist pulled over to sleep at the roadside where they happened to live.