Sri Lankan Relict Ant vs Coconut Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sri Lankan Relict Ant Coconut Ant
Scientific Name Aneuretus simoni Tapinoma melanocephalum
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Aneuretidae Formicidae
Size 3-4 mm 1.3-2 mm
Habitat Forests Indoors
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Sri Lanka Pantropical, Global in heated buildings
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Sri Lankan Relict Ant

The sole surviving member of its entire subfamily, known only from a few localities in Sri Lanka's rainforests. A true living fossil representing an ancient ant lineage.

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Did You Know?

The only living species in its entire subfamily, all other members went extinct millions of years ago.

Coconut Ant

A tiny bicolored ant with a dark head and pale translucent body, also called the ghost ant. It is a major household pest in tropical regions worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Their translucent body makes their abdomen change color depending on what food they have recently eaten.