Coconut Ant vs Black and Gold Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Coconut Ant | Black and Gold Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tapinoma melanocephalum | Dasymutilla nigripes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 1.3-2 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Pantropical, Global in heated buildings | Central North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Coconut Ant
A tiny bicolored ant with a dark head and pale translucent body, also called the ghost ant. It is a major household pest in tropical regions worldwide.
Did You Know?
Their translucent body makes their abdomen change color depending on what food they have recently eaten.
Black and Gold Velvet Ant
A medium-sized velvet ant with golden-orange hair on the thorax contrasting with its black legs and abdomen. It is found across the central United States.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants can survive being stung by almost any predator due to their nearly impenetrable exoskeleton.