Lower Attine Ant vs Graceful Winter Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lower Attine Ant Graceful Winter Stonefly
Scientific Name Cyphomyrmex rimosus Capnia gracilaria
Order Hymenoptera Plecoptera
Family Formicidae Capniidae
Size 2-3 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Gardens Rivers & Streams
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.

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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.

Graceful Winter Stonefly

A minute stonefly of cold North American headwater streams emerging in winter. Females are often short-winged or wingless.

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Did You Know?

Females sacrifice flight ability for greater egg production by reducing or eliminating their wings.