West African Lantern Bug vs Emerald Driver Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | West African Lantern Bug | Emerald Driver Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zanna tenebrosa | Dorylus emeryi |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Fulgoridae | Dorylidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm including head process | 3-12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Nigeria) | West Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
West African Lantern Bug
A large planthopper with an elongated head process and colorful wings. The forewings are cryptically patterned while the hindwings display bright colors when spread. Despite its name, it does not produce light.
Did You Know?
The enlarged head process was once thought to glow in the dark, giving this group its misleading common name of lantern bugs.
Emerald Driver Ant
A medium-sized driver ant with dark brown to black coloration found in West African forests. Colonies conduct raiding parties primarily at night. Workers form living bridges and chains with their bodies to cross obstacles.
Did You Know?
Workers can form living rafts by linking their bodies together to cross streams and flooded areas during raids.