Maricopa Harvester Ant vs Spangle Gall Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maricopa Harvester Ant | Spangle Gall Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pogonomyrmex maricopa | Neuroterus quercusbaccarum |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Cynipidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 1.5–2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Herbivores |
| 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.
Spangle Gall Wasp
A tiny gall wasp that produces flat, disc-shaped spangle galls on the undersides of oak leaves. It alternates between two distinct gall forms across generations.
Did You Know?
A single oak leaf may carry over a hundred spangle galls, yet the tree suffers minimal harm.