Western Snakefly vs American Slave-Maker Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Snakefly American Slave-Maker Ant
Scientific Name Agulla adnixa Polyergus lucidus
Order Raphidioptera Hymenoptera
Family Raphidiidae Formicidae
Size 12-16 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Western North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Western Snakefly

A North American snakefly found in western forests and woodlands. Larvae develop under bark of conifers where they hunt bark beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Western snakeflies require a cold winter period to complete development, which is why they are absent from tropical regions.

American Slave-Maker Ant

A North American slave-making ant that conducts well-organized raids on Formica colonies. New queens infiltrate host colonies by killing the resident queen.

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Did You Know?

During raids, they release propaganda pheromones that cause defending ants to flee or fight each other instead of the raiders.