Maricopa Harvester Ant vs Milkweed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maricopa Harvester Ant | Milkweed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pogonomyrmex maricopa | Oncopeltus fasciatus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Milkweed Bug
A medium-sized bug with bold orange-red and black warning coloration. It feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides for its own defense.
Did You Know?
This bug has become a widely used laboratory model organism because it is easy to rear, has no diapause requirement, and displays clear warning coloration.