Emerald Ash Borer vs Australian Stink Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emerald Ash Borer Australian Stink Ant
Scientific Name Agrilus planipennis Iridomyrmex bicknelli
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Buprestidae Formicidae
Size 8-14 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Asia, North America (invasive) Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Emerald Ash Borer

One of the most destructive invasive insects in North America. Native to Asia, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees since its detection in Michigan in 2002.

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Did You Know?

The emerald ash borer has killed over 100 million ash trees in North America — the economic damage exceeds $10 billion and threatens to eliminate an entire tree genus.

Australian Stink Ant

A small, fast-moving ant that releases a strong, unpleasant odour when crushed, giving it its common name. It forms large colonies and is one of the most common ants in Australian suburban environments.

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Did You Know?

Iridomyrmex ants dominate Australian ant communities and are among the most ecologically successful ants in the Southern Hemisphere.