Red Harvester Ant vs Soybean Aphid Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Harvester Ant Soybean Aphid Parasite
Scientific Name Pogonomyrmex barbatus Binodoxys communis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Braconidae
Size 6-10 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions North America East Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Harvester Ant

A large red ant that builds conspicuous mound nests cleared of vegetation in arid terrain. Workers collect seeds and store them in underground granaries.

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Did You Know?

Its sting is rated among the most painful of any insect, and its venom is the most toxic of any known insect venom by weight.

Soybean Aphid Parasite

A tiny Asian braconid wasp studied as a biocontrol candidate for the invasive soybean aphid in North America. It is highly specific to its aphid host.

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Did You Know?

It underwent years of rigorous safety testing before being approved for release against soybean aphids in North America.