Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant vs Honeysuckle Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant Honeysuckle Sawfly
Scientific Name Acromyrmex versicolor Zaraea fasciata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Cimbicidae
Size 3-10 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Gardens Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant

The only leaf-cutter ant adapted to true desert habitats in North America. It harvests leaves and flower petals to grow fungus gardens underground.

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Did You Know?

Queens found new colonies after summer monsoon rains and may cooperate with other queens to share the initial digging work.

Honeysuckle Sawfly

A moderately large sawfly with clubbed antennae and a dark body with pale markings. It is closely associated with honeysuckle plants.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the smaller members of the Cimbicidae, a family mostly known for its large, robust species.