Horntail Wasp vs Winter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horntail Wasp Winter Ant
Scientific Name Urocerus gigas Prenolepis imparis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Siricidae Formicidae
Size 25-40 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Horntail Wasp

A large wood wasp that injects symbiotic fungus into trees along with its eggs.

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Did You Know?

The injected fungus softens the wood to make it digestible for the larvae.

Winter Ant

A small brown ant unique for being most active during cold months when other ants are dormant. Replete workers store liquid food in distended abdomens for the colony.

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Did You Know?

They hold their nuptial flights in late winter or early spring, sometimes walking over snow to mate.