Harvester Ant vs Woodland Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Harvester Ant | Woodland Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Messor barbarus | Omocestus rufipes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 3-14 mm | 13-22mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Harvester Ant
A large, polymorphic harvester ant with impressive major workers that have broad heads for seed crushing. Workers form long foraging columns to collect seeds. They are among the most conspicuous ants in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Did You Know?
Majors can crack open seeds with their powerful mandibles that would take a human pliers to break.
Woodland Grasshopper
A small dark grasshopper with a distinctive red-tipped abdomen in both sexes. Found in warm sheltered spots.
Did You Know?
Identified by its red-tipped abdomen which is visible even when the grasshopper is hopping away from you.