Spiny Ant vs Orange Caterpillar Parasite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spiny Ant | Orange Caterpillar Parasite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyrhachis dives | Netelia ephippitarsus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Ichneumonidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, southern China, India | Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spiny Ant
A distinctive Asian ant with paired spines on the petiole and propodeum. Workers are metallic dark brown and build nests from silk produced by larvae, similar to weaver ants. Colonies are arboreal and highly territorial.
Did You Know?
They are commonly eaten as a protein-rich food in parts of southern China, where they are harvested from silk nests in trees.
Orange Caterpillar Parasite
A slender, amber-orange ichneumon wasp found across Australasia. It attaches eggs to caterpillars and the larva feeds externally on its host.
Did You Know?
Female wasps can deliver a mild sting if handled, which is unusual among ichneumon wasps.