Triplaris Ant vs Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Triplaris Ant Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex triplarinus Tetrix ornata
Order Hymenoptera Orthoptera
Family Formicidae Tetrigidae
Size 4-7 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South America, Amazon Basin North America
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.

Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper

A tiny, intricately patterned groundhopper found on bare sandy soils in North American prairies and open woodlands. Its flattened, cryptic body blends perfectly with gravel and dry soil surfaces.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed it can leap into a short flight that ends with a tumbling landing, making it very hard to track.