Jet Black Ant vs Fulvus Driver Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jet Black Ant Fulvus Driver Ant
Scientific Name Lasius fuliginosus Dorylus fulvus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Dorylidae
Size 4-6 mm 3-12 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia West Africa (Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Jet Black Ant

A shiny jet-black ant that builds carton nests inside hollow trees using chewed wood mixed with honeydew. It cultivates a specific fungus that strengthens the nest walls.

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Did You Know?

The fungus Cladosporium myrmecophilum grows exclusively in the carton nests of this ant species.

Fulvus Driver Ant

A predominantly subterranean driver ant species with yellowish-brown coloration. Unlike some congeners, it rarely forms above-ground raiding columns. Colonies construct extensive underground tunnel networks.

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Did You Know?

This species is sometimes called the 'blind ant' because workers have completely lost their eyes during evolution.