Maricopa Harvester Ant vs Large Larch Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maricopa Harvester Ant | Large Larch Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pogonomyrmex maricopa | Nematus erichsonii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 8-10 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Maricopa Harvester Ant
Produces the most toxic insect venom known — with an LD50 of 0.12 mg/kg in mice. Just 12 stings can deliver a lethal dose to a 2 kg mammal.
Did You Know?
The venom of this ant is 20 times more potent than honey bee venom — it is the most toxic insect venom ever measured, yet the ant is only stung-aggressive when defending its nest.
Large Larch Sawfly
A gregarious defoliator of larch in European forests. Larvae feed in groups and can rapidly strip branches of needles.
Did You Know?
Defoliated larch trees produce a second flush of needles but suffer significant growth reduction.