Cone Ant vs Desert Firetail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cone Ant Desert Firetail Damselfly
Scientific Name Dorymyrmex insanus Telebasis salva
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Formicidae Coenagrionidae
Size 2-3 mm 25-32 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southern United States, Mexico North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cone Ant

A fast-moving reddish-brown ant that builds distinctive cone-shaped crater nests in sandy soil. It is a common competitor with fire ants in open habitats of the southern United States.

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Did You Know?

They are one of the few native ant species that can successfully compete with invasive fire ants for territory.

Desert Firetail Damselfly

A bright red damselfly found at ponds and streams in the arid American Southwest. Males are vivid crimson while females are duller brown.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most heat-tolerant damselflies, actively flying in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.