Platter Ant vs Velvet Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Platter Ant Velvet Tree Ant
Scientific Name Cataulacus intrudens Liometopum occidentale
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 3-6 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions West and Central Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Platter Ant

An arboreal African ant with a heavily armored, flattened body and sculptured cuticle. Workers have a broad, shield-like head that can be used to block nest entrances. They nest in tree holes and have a slow, deliberate gait.

💡

Did You Know?

Their flattened body and strong tarsal grip allow them to resist removal by predators by clamping flat against bark surfaces.

Velvet Tree Ant

A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.

💡

Did You Know?

Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.