Japanese Maple Sawfly vs Amazonian Fungus-Growing Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Maple Sawfly Amazonian Fungus-Growing Ant
Scientific Name Megalodontes cephalotes Atta laevigata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pamphiliidae Formicidae
Size 12-18 mm 2-15 mm (caste dependent)
Habitat Meadows Caves
Diet Herbivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Southern and Central Europe Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Maple Sawfly

A colorful web-spinning sawfly with a large head, bright orange body, and distinctive long antennae. It is associated with umbelliferous plants in southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

Despite its common association with umbellifers, this species belongs to a family mostly known for conifer and broadleaf tree feeders.

Amazonian Fungus-Growing Ant

One of the largest leaf-cutter ant species with smooth, shiny-headed major workers. Its subterranean colonies can span 30 meters and house millions of workers.

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Did You Know?

A single mature colony excavates over 40 tons of soil, creating underground chambers that improve soil aeration and drainage.