Old World Screwworm vs Giant Twig Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Old World Screwworm | Giant Twig Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysomya bezziana | Pseudomyrmex spinicola |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Formicidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia | Central America, Southern Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Old World Screwworm
An obligate wound parasite of mammals found across Africa and Asia. Larvae invade wounds and feed on living tissue causing severe myiasis.
Did You Know?
Unlike the New World screwworm, no sterile insect program has yet successfully eradicated this species.
Giant Twig Ant
One of the largest acacia-ant species, nesting in the massive swollen thorns of Central American bullhorn acacias. Queens can produce enormous colonies with thousands of aggressive workers.
Did You Know?
They are so effective at protecting acacias that cattle ranchers consider them a serious hazard when clearing land.