European Amazon Ant vs Parnopes Cuckoo Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Amazon Ant | Parnopes Cuckoo Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyergus rufescens | Parnopes grandior |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Chrysididae |
| Size | 6-7 mm | 8-13 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Near Threatened |
European Amazon Ant
An obligate slave-making ant that raids colonies of Formica ants to steal pupae. The kidnapped workers then perform all domestic duties for the Polyergus colony.
Did You Know?
Their sickle-shaped mandibles are so specialized for fighting that they cannot feed themselves or care for their own brood.
Parnopes Cuckoo Wasp
A large and robust cuckoo wasp with a metallic green thorax and brilliant red abdomen. It exclusively parasitizes beewolf wasps in sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
It is entirely dependent on beewolf wasps for reproduction, so its populations decline wherever beewolves disappear.