Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee vs California Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee | California Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psithyrus vestalis | Pogonomyrmex californicus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasites | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee
A brood parasitic bumblebee that takes over colonies of the Buff-tailed Bumblebee. The female kills or subdues the host queen and uses the workers to raise her own offspring.
Did You Know?
Females infiltrate host bumblebee nests and take them over by force, enslaving the workers to raise cuckoo brood.
California Harvester Ant
A small harvester ant found in hot deserts of the American Southwest. Colonies are often founded by groups of cooperating queens.
Did You Know?
Multiple unrelated queens can found a single colony together, then fight to the death until only one remains.