Bee Chafer vs Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee Chafer Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant
Scientific Name Trichius rosaceus Trachymyrmex septentrionalis
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Formicidae
Size 9-13mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Pollen Feeders Detritivores
Regions Europe Eastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bee Chafer

A furry bumblebee-mimicking flower beetle with yellow and black bands. Visits roses and other garden flowers.

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Did You Know?

So convincingly mimics a bumblebee that many people refuse to pick it up, believing it will 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.