Elm Cimbicid Sawfly vs Red Imported Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elm Cimbicid Sawfly Red Imported Fire Ant
Scientific Name Cimbex luteus Solenopsis invicta
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cimbicidae Formicidae
Size 18-25 mm 2-6 mm
Habitat Parks Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Seed Feeders
Regions Europe South America, North America, Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Elm Cimbicid Sawfly

A large, pale yellowish sawfly with conspicuous knobbed antennae. It is associated with elm trees where the large green larvae feed.

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Did You Know?

This species has become less commonly recorded following the decline of elm populations due to Dutch elm disease across Europe.

Red Imported Fire Ant

An aggressive, reddish-brown ant with a painful burning sting. Originally from South America, it has become one of the most problematic invasive species worldwide.

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Did You Know?

During floods, fire ant colonies link their bodies together to form living rafts that can float for weeks, carrying the queen and brood to safety.