Spanish Fly vs Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spanish Fly | Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lytta vesicatoria | Acromyrmex versicolor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-22mm | 3-10 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.
Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
The only leaf-cutter ant adapted to true desert habitats in North America. It harvests leaves and flower petals to grow fungus gardens underground.
Did You Know?
Queens found new colonies after summer monsoon rains and may cooperate with other queens to share the initial digging work.