Desert Fire Ant vs Introduced Pine Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Fire Ant | Introduced Pine Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis aurea | Diprion similis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | 2-6 mm | 7-10 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Desert Fire Ant
A golden-colored fire ant native to the deserts of the American Southwest. It builds inconspicuous nests in sandy soil and forages for insects.
Did You Know?
Unlike its notorious invasive cousin, it is docile and rarely stings unless its nest is directly disturbed.
Introduced Pine Sawfly
A European sawfly introduced to North America that feeds on white pine and other five-needled pines. Larvae feed gregariously and can heavily defoliate trees.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in Connecticut in 1914 and quickly spread across northeastern North America.