Graceful Twig Ant Pseudomyrmex gracilis

This slender ant could fool almost anyone into thinking they'd spotted a tiny wasp. At just 8-10mm long, they move with wasp-like energy and erratic darting that makes them look more like a hunting wasp than an ant. The disguise is convincing: dark head and rear end contrasting with bright orange thorax and legs, all arranged in a sleek, minimalist package.

Found on vegetation throughout Mexico and the arid Southwest, they hunt live prey and collect honeydew from sap-sucking insects. One of nature's master mimics, they use their wasp-like appearance and movement to hunt with impunity.