Larger Citronella Ant vs Orange Caterpillar Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larger Citronella Ant Orange Caterpillar Parasite
Scientific Name Lasius interjectus Netelia ephippitarsus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Ichneumonidae
Size 4-4.5 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Eastern North America Australia, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Larger Citronella Ant

A subterranean yellow ant that emits a strong lemon-like odor when crushed. It lives entirely underground tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew.

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Did You Know?

These ants are rarely seen above ground except during mating flights, when winged reproductives emerge in large swarms.

Orange Caterpillar Parasite

A slender, amber-orange ichneumon wasp found across Australasia. It attaches eggs to caterpillars and the larva feeds externally on its host.

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Did You Know?

Female wasps can deliver a mild sting if handled, which is unusual among ichneumon wasps.