Hawaiian Big-headed Ant vs European Corn Borer Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawaiian Big-headed Ant European Corn Borer Parasite
Scientific Name Pheidole megacephala Macrocentrus grandii
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Braconidae
Size 2-4 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Hawaii, Pacific Islands Europe, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Hawaiian Big-headed Ant

An invasive ant now widespread in Hawaii with a disproportionately large head in the soldier caste. It displaces native insects throughout the islands.

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Did You Know?

It is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN.

European Corn Borer Parasite

A slender braconid wasp introduced to North America to control the European corn borer. It lays polyembryonic eggs that multiply inside the host caterpillar.

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Did You Know?

A single egg divides into up to 30 genetically identical larvae inside the host through polyembryony.