Legionary Ant vs Bush Giant Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Legionary Ant Bush Giant Dragonfly
Scientific Name Neivamyrmex nigrescens Uropetala carovei
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Formicidae Petaluridae
Size 2-5 mm 80-90 mm body length, 130 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

They are rarely seen because they raid almost exclusively at night and spend most of their time underground.

Bush Giant Dragonfly

New Zealand's largest dragonfly and one of the most ancient dragonfly lineages in the world. Its larvae live in burrows in muddy seepages in native bush for several years. Adults patrol forest clearings and can be heard before they are seen due to their loud wing noise.

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Did You Know?

The larvae dig burrows in muddy hillsides and ambush prey from the entrance, spending up to seven years underground before emerging as adults.