Arabian Desert Grasshopper vs Red Harvester Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arabian Desert Grasshopper Red Harvester Ant
Scientific Name Sphingonotus rubescens Pogonomyrmex barbatus
Order Orthoptera Hymenoptera
Family Acrididae Formicidae
Size 20-30 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Africa, Middle East, Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arabian Desert Grasshopper

A small, sandy-colored band-winged grasshopper found across North Africa and the Middle East. Its blue hindwings are visible only in flight.

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Did You Know?

It is so well camouflaged on sand that it is virtually invisible until it takes flight and flashes its blue wings.

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.

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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.