Neon Trap-jaw Ant vs Black Imported Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neon Trap-jaw Ant Black Imported Fire Ant
Scientific Name Odontomachus coquereli Solenopsis richteri
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 10-13 mm 2-6 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions Madagascar South America, Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Neon Trap-jaw Ant

A large Malagasy trap-jaw ant with a distinctive reddish coloration found in Madagascar's dry forests. It has the characteristic spring-loaded mandibles of its genus.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few trap-jaw ant species found on the island of Madagascar, likely arriving via ocean dispersal.

Black Imported Fire Ant

A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.

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Did You Know?

They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.