South American Leafcutter Ant vs Long Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Leafcutter Ant | Long Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atta sexdens | Sphaerophoria scripta |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 2-14 mm (varies by caste) | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia) | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Long Hoverfly
A small, elongated hoverfly with a slender yellow-and-black striped abdomen. Males have an abdomen longer than their wings.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most common hoverflies found in agricultural landscapes across Europe.