Valentine Ant vs Madeira Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Valentine Ant Madeira Longhorn
Scientific Name Crematogaster cerasi Leptura aurulenta
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Formicidae Cerambycidae
Size 2.5-4 mm 15-26 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Mediterranean Europe, Atlantic France, Macaronesia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Valentine Ant

A North American acrobat ant common in deciduous forests and suburban yards. They typically nest in dead branches and old insect galleries in trees.

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Did You Know?

Their heart-shaped abdomen gives them the charming nickname valentine ant.

Madeira Longhorn

A large flower longhorn with rusty-orange elytra and a black head and pronotum. Found in forests around the Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe. Larvae develop over 3-5 years in dead wood of oaks and chestnuts.

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Did You Know?

This species has been found on Madeira Island, giving rise to its common name, though it occurs widely across southern Europe.