Large-legged Chalcid vs Lower Attine Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large-legged Chalcid | Lower Attine Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chalcis myrifex | Cyphomyrmex rimosus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Chalcididae | Formicidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Gardens |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Detritivores |
| Regions | North America | Southern United States, Central and South America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Large-legged Chalcid
A parasitoid wasp with conspicuously thickened hind femora used to brace itself while ovipositing. It attacks the pupae of tachinid flies and various Lepidoptera.
Did You Know?
Despite looking like it could jump powerfully, those thick hind legs are mainly used for gripping, not leaping.
Lower Attine Ant
A tiny, cryptic fungus-growing ant with a rugose and heavily sculptured dark brown body. Workers cultivate yeast rather than the mycelial fungus of more derived attines. They collect insect frass and dead plant material for their yeast gardens.
Did You Know?
Unlike their famous leafcutter relatives, they grow a yeast-like fungus rather than the mushroom-like fungi cultivated by Atta and Acromyrmex.