Cocktail Ant vs Velvet Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cocktail Ant Velvet Tree Ant
Scientific Name Crematogaster peringueyi Liometopum occidentale
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 3-5 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southern Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cocktail Ant

A small dark ant that holds its heart-shaped gaster raised above its body like a flag. It nests in dead wood and under bark.

💡

Did You Know?

When alarmed, they raise their abdomen over their back like a scorpion and exude a drop of repellent venom.

Velvet Tree Ant

A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.

💡

Did You Know?

Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.