Sunflower Treehopper vs Black Imported Fire Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sunflower Treehopper | Black Imported Fire Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliria cristata | Solenopsis richteri |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Membracidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 2-6 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | North America | South America, Southeastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Sunflower Treehopper
A small brown treehopper with a tall dorsal crest on its pronotum that gives it a distinctive high-backed silhouette. It is commonly found on sunflowers and other composites.
Did You Know?
Its high pronotal crest may serve as a thermoregulatory surface, helping to dissipate heat while the insect feeds in exposed sunny locations.
Black Imported Fire Ant
A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.
Did You Know?
They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.