Sri Lankan Relict Ant vs Birch Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sri Lankan Relict Ant Birch Sawfly
Scientific Name Aneuretus simoni Cimbex femoratus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Aneuretidae Cimbicidae
Size 3-4 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Forests Parks
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Sri Lanka Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Sri Lankan Relict Ant

The sole surviving member of its entire subfamily, known only from a few localities in Sri Lanka's rainforests. A true living fossil representing an ancient ant lineage.

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Did You Know?

The only living species in its entire subfamily, all other members went extinct millions of years ago.

Birch Sawfly

One of the largest European sawflies, with a stout body, clubbed antennae, and variable coloring from black to yellowish-brown. Larvae are large, pale green caterpillar-like grubs found curled on birch leaves.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, the large larva can squirt a jet of fluid from glands above its spiracles as a defensive mechanism.