Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant vs Nigerian Driver Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant Nigerian Driver Ant
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex peperi Dorylus nigricans
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Dorylidae
Size 3-5 mm Workers 3-14 mm; queen up to 52 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Carrion Feeders
Regions Mexico, Central America West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant

An obligate acacia-ant mutualist that nests exclusively within the hollow thorns of Vachellia trees. Workers patrol the tree constantly, stinging any animal that contacts it.

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Did You Know?

Acacia trees with these ant colonies grow significantly faster than uncolonized trees due to the ant's protection services.

Nigerian Driver Ant

A large driver ant species with massive soldier caste bearing sickle-shaped mandibles. Raiding columns can stretch over 100 meters.

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Did You Know?

Their queens are the largest known ants in the world and can lay up to 4 million eggs per month.