Mexican Bean Beetle vs Red Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mexican Bean Beetle | Red Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epilachna varivestis | Pogonomyrmex barbatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Mexican Bean Beetle
One of the few plant-feeding ladybird beetles, recognized by its copper color and eight black spots per wing cover. Both adults and larvae skeletonize bean leaves.
Did You Know?
Unlike most ladybugs which are beneficial predators, the Mexican bean beetle is a destructive crop pest.
Red Harvester Ant
A large red ant that builds conspicuous mound nests cleared of vegetation in arid terrain. Workers collect seeds and store them in underground granaries.
Did You Know?
Its sting is rated among the most painful of any insect, and its venom is the most toxic of any known insect venom by weight.