Desert Fire Ant vs Lesser Citronella Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Fire Ant | Lesser Citronella Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis aurea | Lasius claviger |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 2-6 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Orchards |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Lesser Citronella Ant
A small yellow subterranean ant closely related to the larger citronella ant. It produces a citrus scent and lives in deep soil nests tending root aphids.
Did You Know?
Citronella ants are obligate herders whose survival depends entirely on their symbiotic relationship with underground aphids.