Slave-Maker Ant vs Black and Gold Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Slave-Maker Ant | Black and Gold Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Temnothorax americanus | Dasymutilla nigripes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Central North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Slave-Maker Ant
A tiny North American slave-making ant that raids colonies of closely related Temnothorax species. Workers have saber-like mandibles used in raids. Enslaved workers eventually perform all domestic tasks while raiders focus solely on conducting new raids.
Did You Know?
Enslaved Temnothorax workers sometimes rebel by destroying the slave-maker brood they are supposed to rear, reducing the raiding colony's future workforce.
Black and Gold Velvet Ant
A medium-sized velvet ant with golden-orange hair on the thorax contrasting with its black legs and abdomen. It is found across the central United States.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants can survive being stung by almost any predator due to their nearly impenetrable exoskeleton.