Legionary Ant vs African Armyworm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Legionary Ant | African Armyworm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neivamyrmex nigrescens | Spodoptera exempta |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 2-5 mm | 28-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Legionary Ant
The most common army ant species in the United States, conducting nocturnal column raids on other ant nests. Workers are small and reddish-brown with reduced eyes.
Did You Know?
They are rarely seen because they raid almost exclusively at night and spend most of their time underground.
African Armyworm
A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.
Did You Know?
A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.