Queenless Ponerine Ant vs Australian Gall Thrips
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Queenless Ponerine Ant | Australian Gall Thrips |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diacamma rugosum | Kladothrips intermedius |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Thysanoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Phlaeothripidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Gall Makers |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Queenless Ponerine Ant
A large black ponerine ant found across South and Southeast Asia that lacks a morphological queen caste. Instead, a single mated worker called a gamergate monopolizes reproduction.
Did You Know?
The gamergate maintains her dominance by mutilating the gemmae of newly emerged workers, preventing them from mating.
Australian Gall Thrips
A eusocial thrips from Australia that induces galls on Acacia trees and defends them with a soldier caste. They are among the only thrips species to show true eusociality.
Did You Know?
Their soldiers have enlarged forelegs used to crush and kill kleptoparasitic thrips that try to invade their galls.