Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant vs Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant | Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trachymyrmex septentrionalis | Microplitis demolitor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Braconidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Detritivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Eastern United States | North America, South America, Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Did You Know?
It is the northernmost fungus-growing ant species, found as far north as Long Island, New York.
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid
A small endoparasitoid wasp that injects polydnavirus along with its eggs into caterpillar hosts. It is an important natural enemy of soybean looper and corn earworm.
Did You Know?
It injects a symbiotic virus along with its eggs that suppresses the caterpillar's immune system.