Jet Black Ant vs Long-winged Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jet Black Ant Long-winged Barklouse
Scientific Name Lasius fuliginosus Ectopsocus briggsi
Order Hymenoptera Psocoptera
Family Formicidae Ectopsocidae
Size 4-6 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, North America, Australasia
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.

Long-winged Barklouse

A widespread bark louse found on tree trunks and dead leaves across Europe and introduced to other continents. It has long narrow wings.

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Did You Know?

It has successfully colonized multiple continents through accidental human transport.