Lower Attine Ant vs Giant Salmonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lower Attine Ant | Giant Salmonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyphomyrmex rimosus | Pteronarcys princeps |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Pteronarcyidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Mountains |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central and South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lower Attine Ant
A tiny, cryptic fungus-growing ant with a rugose and heavily sculptured dark brown body. Workers cultivate yeast rather than the mycelial fungus of more derived attines. They collect insect frass and dead plant material for their yeast gardens.
Did You Know?
Unlike their famous leafcutter relatives, they grow a yeast-like fungus rather than the mushroom-like fungi cultivated by Atta and Acromyrmex.
Giant Salmonfly
A massive stonefly of western mountain rivers with a three-year nymphal life cycle. Nymphs feed on decomposing leaf material in cold streams.
Did You Know?
Adults are among the largest flying insects in North America and can barely sustain flight due to their weight.