Honeypot Ant vs Alpine Soldierfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Honeypot Ant | Alpine Soldierfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Myrmecocystus mimicus | Oxycera morrisii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 4-10 mm | 5-7 mm body length |
| Habitat | Heathland | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southwestern United States | British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Honeypot Ant
A honey ant species that engages in ritualized territorial tournaments between neighboring colonies. Workers are amber-colored and colonies maintain dozens of repletes. Tournament battles involve workers stilting on raised legs to appear larger.
Did You Know?
Their territorial tournaments involve hundreds of workers from rival colonies displaying on stilted legs, but rarely result in actual fighting.
Alpine Soldierfly
A small, brightly patterned soldierfly found near mountain springs and seepages. Its larvae develop in calcareous spring water at high elevations.
Did You Know?
Its larvae encrust themselves with calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich spring water.