Nigerian Driver Ant vs Elderberry Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nigerian Driver Ant Elderberry Borer
Scientific Name Dorylus nigricans Desmocerus palliatus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Dorylidae Cerambycidae
Size Workers 3-14 mm; queen up to 52 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Carrion Feeders Root Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa Eastern North America from Quebec to Florida
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nigerian Driver Ant

A large driver ant species with massive soldier caste bearing sickle-shaped mandibles. Raiding columns can stretch over 100 meters.

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Did You Know?

Their queens are the largest known ants in the world and can lay up to 4 million eggs per month.

Elderberry Borer

A striking longhorn beetle with cobalt blue wing covers and a bright yellow-orange base. Its larvae develop inside the stems and roots of living elderberry shrubs.

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Did You Know?

Its vivid blue and yellow coloring is thought to mimic toxic net-winged beetles for protection from predators.