Lower Attine Ant vs Mother of Pearl Caddisfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lower Attine Ant | Mother of Pearl Caddisfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyphomyrmex rimosus | Mystacides azurea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Leptoceridae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central and South America | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Mother of Pearl Caddisfly
A small iridescent caddisfly with long antennae and pearly blue-green wings. It swarms in large mating flights over lakes and slow rivers.
Did You Know?
The iridescent wing scales of this caddisfly create a shimmering blue-green appearance unique among the Trichoptera.