South American Leaf-Footed Bug vs Hawaiian Big-headed Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Leaf-Footed Bug Hawaiian Big-headed Ant
Scientific Name Leptoglossus zonatus Pheidole megacephala
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Coreidae Formicidae
Size 15-20 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Americas from the United States through Argentina Hawaii, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

South American Leaf-Footed Bug

A brown coreid bug with expanded leaf-like hind tibiae and a pale zigzag band across the forewings. It is a significant pest of corn, citrus, and pomegranates.

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Did You Know?

Its flattened hind leg expansions may serve to mimic leaf fragments or to intimidate rivals during territorial displays.

Hawaiian Big-headed Ant

An invasive ant now widespread in Hawaii with a disproportionately large head in the soldier caste. It displaces native insects throughout the islands.

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Did You Know?

It is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN.