Golden Spiny Ant vs Elongate Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Spiny Ant Elongate Springtail
Scientific Name Polyrhachis ammon Entomobrya nivalis
Order Hymenoptera Collembola
Family Formicidae Entomobryidae
Size 5-7 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Australia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Golden Spiny Ant

A striking Australian spiny ant with golden pubescence covering a black body. Workers have prominent paired petiolar spines. Colonies nest in soil mounds or under bark and are common in Australian eucalypt woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Their golden body hairs reflect sunlight and may help with thermoregulation in the hot Australian sun.

Elongate Springtail

A slender, colorful springtail with variable banding patterns found on tree bark. It is one of the most common European entomobryid springtails.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name meaning snowy, this springtail is most commonly found on sun-warmed tree bark rather than snow.