Spine-Tailed Earwig vs Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spine-Tailed Earwig | Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Doru aculeatum | Acromyrmex versicolor |
| Order | Dermaptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 3-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spine-Tailed Earwig
A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.
Did You Know?
Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.
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.