South American Leafcutter Ant vs European Wheat Stem Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Leafcutter Ant | European Wheat Stem Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atta sexdens | Cephus pygmeus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Cephidae |
| Size | 2-14 mm (varies by caste) | 8-10 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia) | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
South American Leafcutter Ant
One of the most widespread leafcutter ant species in South America, recognized by the three pairs of spines on its thorax which give it its species name. Colonies can contain up to eight million workers organized into a complex caste system. It is considered one of the most significant agricultural pests in tropical South America.
Did You Know?
Queens can live for over 15 years and produce more than 150 million offspring in their lifetime.
European Wheat Stem Sawfly
A stem-boring sawfly pest of wheat and other cereals throughout Europe and western Asia. It has also established in parts of North America.
Did You Know?
Solid-stemmed wheat varieties were bred specifically to resist stem sawfly larval boring.