Spider-hunting Wasp vs Lesser Bullet Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spider-hunting Wasp Lesser Bullet Ant
Scientific Name Anoplius nigerrimus Neoponera villosa
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pompilidae Formicidae
Size 12-18mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Southern United States, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spider-hunting Wasp

A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.

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Did You Know?

Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.

Lesser Bullet Ant

A large black ponerine ant found from Texas through South America with a powerful sting. It nests in tree hollows and dead wood, foraging arboreally at night.

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Did You Know?

It is sometimes called the 'false bullet ant' because its sting, while very painful, is less severe than that of Paraponera.