Pitted Ambrosia Beetle vs South American Leafcutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pitted Ambrosia Beetle | South American Leafcutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cnesinus strigicollis | Atta sexdens |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 2-3mm | 2-14 mm (varies by caste) |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | North America, South America | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pitted Ambrosia Beetle
A tiny dark brown bark beetle that cultivates fungal gardens inside its tunnels. It introduces ambrosia fungi into the wood which it and its larvae eat.
Did You Know?
It is one of many beetle species that practice true agriculture cultivating fungal crops inside tree tunnels for food.
South American Leafcutter Ant
One of the most widespread leafcutter ant species in South America, recognized by the three pairs of spines on its thorax which give it its species name. Colonies can contain up to eight million workers organized into a complex caste system. It is considered one of the most significant agricultural pests in tropical South America.
Did You Know?
Queens can live for over 15 years and produce more than 150 million offspring in their lifetime.