African Velvet Ant vs Malabar Banded Peacock
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Velvet Ant | Malabar Banded Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasylabris maura | Papilio buddha |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East | South Asia (India, endemic to the Western Ghats) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Velvet Ant
A large black and white velvet ant found across North Africa and the Mediterranean. Females are densely covered in silvery-white hair patches on a black body.
Did You Know?
Its contrasting black and white pattern serves as a warning signal to predators about its extremely painful sting.
Malabar Banded Peacock
A striking swallowtail endemic to the Western Ghats with broad green bands across dark wings. Males congregate at mud puddles and stream banks in large numbers during the monsoon season.
Did You Know?
This is the state butterfly of Kerala and is found exclusively in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.