Grain Pteromalid vs European Amazon Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grain Pteromalid European Amazon Ant
Scientific Name Anisopteromalus calandrae Polyergus rufescens
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pteromalidae Formicidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 6-7 mm
Habitat Gardens Meadows
Diet Parasitoids Predators
Regions Worldwide Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Grain Pteromalid

A tiny parasitoid of grain weevil and bruchid beetle larvae concealed inside stored cereal grains. It is widely used in biological control of stored-product pests.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect beetle larvae hidden inside wheat kernels by drumming on the grain surface with their antennae.

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.

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Did You Know?

Their sickle-shaped mandibles are so specialized for fighting that they cannot feed themselves or care for their own brood.