Western Harvester Ant vs Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Harvester Ant | Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pogonomyrmex occidentalis | Acromyrmex versicolor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 3-10 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Western United States and southwestern Canada | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Harvester Ant
A large red ant that constructs conspicuous gravel-topped mound nests in western grasslands. It clears all vegetation from a wide circle around its nest entrance.
Did You Know?
Its sting is one of the most painful among North American ants and has been rated highly on the Schmidt pain index.
Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
The only leaf-cutter ant adapted to true desert habitats in North America. It harvests leaves and flower petals to grow fungus gardens underground.
Did You Know?
Queens found new colonies after summer monsoon rains and may cooperate with other queens to share the initial digging work.