Sri Lankan Relict Ant vs Heather Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sri Lankan Relict Ant Heather Mining Bee
Scientific Name Aneuretus simoni Andrena fuscipes
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Aneuretidae Andrenidae
Size 3-4 mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Sri Lanka Europe
Conservation Critically Endangered Near Threatened

Sri Lankan Relict Ant

The sole surviving member of its entire subfamily, known only from a few localities in Sri Lanka's rainforests. A true living fossil representing an ancient ant lineage.

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Did You Know?

The only living species in its entire subfamily, all other members went extinct millions of years ago.

Heather Mining Bee

A late-summer specialist bee that collects pollen almost exclusively from heather and bell heather. It nests in sandy soil on heathlands.

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Did You Know?

Its late summer flight season precisely coincides with heather bloom and it is one of the last solitary bees flying in the year.