Winter Ant vs Solomon's Seal Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Winter Ant Solomon's Seal Sawfly
Scientific Name Prenolepis imparis Phymatocera aterrima
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Tenthredinidae
Size 3-4 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Winter Ant

A small brown ant unique for being most active during cold months when other ants are dormant. Replete workers store liquid food in distended abdomens for the colony.

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Did You Know?

They hold their nuptial flights in late winter or early spring, sometimes walking over snow to mate.

Solomon's Seal Sawfly

A small, entirely black sawfly whose grayish-white larvae with black heads are highly destructive to Solomon's seal plants. Larvae feed from the leaf edges inward.

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Did You Know?

The larvae are so well camouflaged against the undersides of Solomon's seal leaves that gardeners often only notice them after severe damage is done.