Triplaris Ant vs Green-head Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Triplaris Ant Green-head Ant
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex triplarinus Rhytidoponera metallica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Formicidae
Size 4-7 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Gardens
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions South America, Amazon Basin Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Triplaris Ant

A South American ant that inhabits the hollow stems of Triplaris trees in a mutualistic relationship. Workers swarm out and deliver painful stings when the host tree is disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Local people call Triplaris the 'devil tree' because touching it triggers an immediate attack by hundreds of stinging ants.

Green-head Ant

A common Australian ant with an iridescent metallic green or purple sheen on its head and body. It is one of the most frequently encountered ants in Australian gardens and bushland.

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Did You Know?

Colonies are often queenless, with mated workers called gamergates taking over reproduction.