Dinosaur Ant vs Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dinosaur Ant | Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nothomyrmecia macrops | Keroplatus testaceus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Keroplatidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Near Threatened |
Dinosaur Ant
Considered the most primitive living ant, often called a living fossil. Discovered in 1931 and then lost for 46 years until rediscovered in 1977 in South Australia.
Did You Know?
This ant was lost to science for 46 years after its discovery — rediscovered by pure luck when an entomologist pulled over to sleep at the roadside where they happened to live.
Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat
A remarkable fungus gnat whose larvae create bioluminescent webs on bracket fungi. The blue-green glow attracts prey insects. One of the few bioluminescent insects outside fireflies.
Did You Know?
Larvae glow in the dark, creating eerie blue-green patches on bracket fungi in dark forests.