Black Imported Fire Ant vs Isotoma Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Imported Fire Ant Isotoma Springtail
Scientific Name Solenopsis richteri Isotoma viridis
Order Hymenoptera Collembola
Family Formicidae Isotomidae
Size 2-6 mm 2.0-4.0 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Seed Feeders Detritivores
Regions South America, Southeastern United States Europe, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Black Imported Fire Ant

A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.

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Did You Know?

They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.

Isotoma Springtail

A greenish elongate springtail common in grasslands and gardens throughout Europe. It is active year-round even in cold weather.

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Did You Know?

This springtail remains active at temperatures near freezing and can be found hopping on soil surfaces in winter.