Sand Wasp Strepsipteran vs Tawny Crazy Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Strepsipteran Tawny Crazy Ant
Scientific Name Paraxenos lugubris Nylanderia fulva
Order Strepsiptera Hymenoptera
Family Xenidae Formicidae
Size 2.5-4.0 mm (males) 2-3 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Parasites Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa South America, Southern United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Sand Wasp Strepsipteran

A strepsipteran parasite of sand wasps in the genus Bembix. It is found in sandy coastal areas where its host wasps nest.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized sand wasps often have visibly protruding strepsipteran puparia between their abdominal segments.

Tawny Crazy Ant

A small reddish-brown ant that forms enormous supercolonies and is displacing fire ants in the southern United States. They are attracted to electrical equipment and often cause short circuits.

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Did You Know?

They coat themselves in formic acid as an antidote after being stung by fire ants, a unique detoxification behavior.