Forelius Ant vs Western Cicada Killer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Forelius Ant Western Cicada Killer
Scientific Name Forelius pruinosus Sphecius grandis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Crabronidae
Size 2-2.5 mm 30-55 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions North America, South America Western United States from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Forelius Ant

A tiny fast-running ant found across the Americas that is often the first to discover food sources. It has a pruinose coating giving it a slightly dusty appearance.

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Did You Know?

Each evening, a few workers sacrifice themselves by sealing the nest entrance from the outside with sand, dying alone overnight.

Western Cicada Killer

A massive solitary wasp of the American West that hunts cicadas to provision its underground burrows. It is slightly larger and paler than its eastern relative.

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Did You Know?

Despite its intimidating size, it is generally docile toward humans and males cannot sting at all.