Xiphydriid Maple Borer vs Matabele Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Xiphydriid Maple Borer Matabele Ant
Scientific Name Xiphydria maculata Megaponera analis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Xiphydriidae Formicidae
Size 10-18 mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Xiphydriid Maple Borer

A slender wood wasp with a long, narrow neck region and dark body spotted with pale markings. Females bore into hardwood trees, especially maples.

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Did You Know?

Xiphydriid wood wasps are rarely seen despite being widespread, as they are secretive insects that spend most of their life cycle deep inside wood.

Matabele Ant

A large black ant that specializes in raiding termite mounds in organized military-style columns. Workers are among the largest ants in Africa.

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Did You Know?

Injured ants are carried back to the nest by their comrades and treated, with a 90% survival rate after rescue.