Major pest of ASPARAGUS (Asparagus officinalis) — the ONLY known host plant for the species' larvae. Defoliation reduces plant vigor and next-year spear production; spear damage reduces fresh-market quality.
Tomatoes, blueberries, peppers, and kiwifruit ALL require buzz pollination — bumblebees are commercially essential for these crops.
A medium-sized swarm eats as much food per day as 35,000 people.
Fire ants cause over $6 billion in annual damage to the US economy — agricultural, electrical, and medical costs combined.
It takes roughly 2,500 silkworm cocoons to produce one pound of finished silk.
Lanternfly damage to Pennsylvania agriculture exceeds $300 million per year — wineries, orchards, and hardwoods bear the brunt.
Macrotermes farm a domesticated fungus called Termitomyces — like leafcutter ants, they cultivate their food.
