Little Fire Ant vs New Zealand Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Little Fire Ant New Zealand Caddisfly
Scientific Name Wasmannia auropunctata Olinga feredayi
Order Hymenoptera Trichoptera
Family Formicidae Conoesucidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central America, South America, Pacific Islands, Africa New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Little Fire Ant

A tiny golden-brown ant with a painful sting far out of proportion to its size. It is one of the most destructive invasive species, blinding pets and wildlife in infested areas.

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Did You Know?

Queens reproduce clonally, producing daughter queens genetically identical to themselves through a unique reproductive system.

New Zealand Caddisfly

A stony-cased caddisfly endemic to New Zealand streams. Larvae are important grazers found in virtually all clean New Zealand rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly encountered caddisfly in New Zealand freshwater surveys.