Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant vs Long-Horned Xiphydriid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant Long-Horned Xiphydriid
Scientific Name Trachymyrmex septentrionalis Xiphydria prolongata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Xiphydriidae
Size 3-5 mm 14-20 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern United States East Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant

A small fungus-growing ant of eastern North America related to leafcutters. It collects dead plant material, caterpillar frass, and insect parts to feed its fungus garden.

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Did You Know?

It is the northernmost fungus-growing ant species, found as far north as Long Island, New York.

Long-Horned Xiphydriid

A slender wood wasp with an exceptionally long neck region and thread-like antennae. The body is dark brown with scattered pale markings.

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Did You Know?

Xiphydriid species in East Asia show greater diversity than in any other region, suggesting this may be the family's center of origin.