Slave-Making Ant vs Short-horned Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Slave-Making Ant Short-horned Grasshopper
Scientific Name Formica sanguinea Phymateus morbillosus
Order Hymenoptera Orthoptera
Family Formicidae Pyrgomorphidae
Size 5-9 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia, Japan Africa
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.

Short-horned Grasshopper

A toxic foam grasshopper that sequesters milkweed poisons and displays bright warning colors.

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Did You Know?

When attacked it exudes toxic foam from its thoracic glands.