Slave-Making Ant vs Rambur's Forktail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Slave-Making Ant Rambur's Forktail
Scientific Name Formica sanguinea Ischnura ramburii
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Formicidae Coenagrionidae
Size 5-9 mm 26-36 mm
Habitat Heathland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia, Japan North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Slave-Making Ant

A facultative slave-making ant that raids colonies of other Formica species to steal pupae. The stolen brood hatches and works for the slave-maker colony. Workers are reddish with darker heads and can also establish independent colonies.

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Did You Know?

Unlike obligate slave-makers, this species can survive without slaves, but raided colonies grow much faster.

Rambur's Forktail

A widespread New World damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Females come in orange, olive, and male-mimic color forms.

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Did You Know?

It tolerates brackish and even slightly saline water, unlike most freshwater damselflies.