Sri Lankan Relict Ant vs German Yellowjacket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sri Lankan Relict Ant German Yellowjacket
Scientific Name Aneuretus simoni Vespula germanica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Aneuretidae Vespidae
Size 3-4 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Sri Lanka Europe, North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
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.

German Yellowjacket

A highly adaptable social wasp that has become one of the most widespread invasive insects globally. They build large enclosed paper nests in wall cavities and roof spaces.

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Did You Know?

Indoor nests in heated buildings can survive winter and grow to enormous sizes containing over a million cells.