Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant vs Sri Lankan Relict Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant Sri Lankan Relict Ant
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex peperi Aneuretus simoni
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Aneuretidae
Size 3-5 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Mexico, Central America Sri Lanka
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

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.

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.