Smelly Carpenter Ant vs Golden Spiny Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Smelly Carpenter Ant Golden Spiny Ant
Scientific Name Dolichoderus thoracicus Polyrhachis ammon
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 3-4 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Smelly Carpenter Ant

A Southeast Asian dolichoderine ant that tends mealybugs inside shelters built from chewed plant material. It is a significant pest of cacao and coconut plantations.

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Did You Know?

They build elaborate carton tents over mealybug colonies on crop plants, protecting their honeydew source from rain and predators.

Golden Spiny Ant

A striking Australian spiny ant with golden pubescence covering a black body. Workers have prominent paired petiolar spines. Colonies nest in soil mounds or under bark and are common in Australian eucalypt woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Their golden body hairs reflect sunlight and may help with thermoregulation in the hot Australian sun.