Desert Stink Bug vs Texas Leafcutter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Stink Bug Texas Leafcutter Ant
Scientific Name Chlorochroa ligata Atta texana
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Pentatomidae Formicidae
Size 12-16 mm 1.5-12 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Sap Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions North America Southern United States, Northern Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Desert Stink Bug

A green shield bug with a distinctive orange or red border found in arid western North America. It feeds on a variety of desert shrubs and weeds.

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Did You Know?

It releases a pungent chemical from thoracic glands that smells like cilantro to some people.

Texas Leafcutter Ant

The northernmost leafcutter ant species, found in the southern United States. Nests can extend 6 meters deep and cover large underground areas.

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Did You Know?

Their underground nests can contain over 1,000 individual chambers connected by an intricate tunnel network.