Neotropical Paper Wasp vs Triplaris Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Neotropical Paper Wasp | Triplaris Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polistes canadensis | Pseudomyrmex triplarinus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central America, northern South America, Caribbean | South America, Amazon Basin |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Neotropical Paper Wasp
A large reddish-brown paper wasp with dark wings that builds open-comb nests under eaves and branches. It is one of the most common social wasps in the Neotropics.
Did You Know?
This was the first wasp species shown to recognize individual nestmates by their unique facial markings.
Triplaris Ant
A South American ant that inhabits the hollow stems of Triplaris trees in a mutualistic relationship. Workers swarm out and deliver painful stings when the host tree is disturbed.
Did You Know?
Local people call Triplaris the 'devil tree' because touching it triggers an immediate attack by hundreds of stinging ants.