Aphid Mummy Wasp vs Red Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Aphid Mummy Wasp | Red Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphidius ervi | Pogonomyrmex barbatus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America, South America, Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Aphid Mummy Wasp
A tiny parasitoid wasp widely used in biological control of pea aphids and other large aphid species. It turns parasitized aphids into hardened golden-brown 'mummies' from which new wasps emerge.
Did You Know?
Parasitized aphids swell into distinctive metallic 'mummies' before the adult wasp chews a neat exit hole to emerge.
Red Harvester Ant
A large red ant that builds conspicuous mound nests cleared of vegetation in arid terrain. Workers collect seeds and store them in underground granaries.
Did You Know?
Its sting is rated among the most painful of any insect, and its venom is the most toxic of any known insect venom by weight.