Black Imported Fire Ant vs Nuttall Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Imported Fire Ant | Nuttall Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis richteri | Lytta nuttalli |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 2-6 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | South America, Southeastern United States | Western North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.
Nuttall Blister Beetle
A brilliant metallic purple-blue blister beetle found in the prairies and grasslands of western North America. Adults congregate on legume flowers in large numbers.
Did You Know?
Periodic mass outbreaks can strip entire fields of alfalfa flowers within days.