Golden Spiny Ant vs Velvet Tree Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden Spiny Ant | Velvet Tree Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyrhachis ammon | Liometopum occidentale |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Australia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Their golden body hairs reflect sunlight and may help with thermoregulation in the hot Australian sun.
Velvet Tree Ant
A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.
Did You Know?
Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.