Scarlet Pergid Sawfly vs Maricopa Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Scarlet Pergid Sawfly | Maricopa Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pergagrapta polita | Pogonomyrmex maricopa |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pergidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern Australia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Scarlet Pergid Sawfly
A brightly colored Australian sawfly with a polished dark body and reddish highlights. Larvae feed on eucalyptus and are often found in clusters.
Did You Know?
The genus Pergagrapta is endemic to Australia and represents part of the remarkable radiation of pergid sawflies on that continent.
Maricopa Harvester Ant
Produces the most toxic insect venom known — with an LD50 of 0.12 mg/kg in mice. Just 12 stings can deliver a lethal dose to a 2 kg mammal.
Did You Know?
The venom of this ant is 20 times more potent than honey bee venom — it is the most toxic insect venom ever measured, yet the ant is only stung-aggressive when defending its nest.