Giant Twig Ant vs African Stink Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Twig Ant African Stink Ant
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex spinicola Paltothyreus tarsatus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 5-10 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Forests Indoors
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Central America, Southern Mexico Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Twig Ant

One of the largest acacia-ant species, nesting in the massive swollen thorns of Central American bullhorn acacias. Queens can produce enormous colonies with thousands of aggressive workers.

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Did You Know?

They are so effective at protecting acacias that cattle ranchers consider them a serious hazard when clearing land.

African Stink Ant

A very large black ponerine ant that releases a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed. It is one of Africa's most conspicuous ground-dwelling ants with a powerful sting.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odor is so pungent it can be smelled by humans from over a meter away.