Legionary Ant vs Lesser Leaf-Cutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Legionary Ant | Lesser Leaf-Cutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neivamyrmex nigrescens | Acromyrmex octospinosus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 2-5 mm | 2-10 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | Central America, Caribbean, northern South America, Brazil |
| 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.
Did You Know?
They are rarely seen because they raid almost exclusively at night and spend most of their time underground.
Lesser Leaf-Cutter Ant
A smaller leaf-cutter ant species covered in spiny tubercles on its body. It forms more modest colonies than Atta but is equally dependent on fungal agriculture.
Did You Know?
Workers produce antibiotic compounds from bacteria on their bodies to protect their fungal gardens from parasitic molds.