Banded Hairstreak vs African Bulldog Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Hairstreak African Bulldog Ant
Scientific Name Satyrium calanus Myrmecia regularis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lycaenidae Formicidae
Size 25-32 mm wingspan 15-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern United States and southeastern Canada Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with conspicuous bands of white-edged dark dashes on its hindwing underside. It has a short thin tail and a small orange spot near the tail.

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Did You Know?

It rubs its hindwings together after landing, moving the tails to mimic antennae and trick predators into attacking the wrong end.

African Bulldog Ant

A large aggressive ant with excellent vision and powerful mandibles. It can leap and deliver a painful sting when threatened.

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Did You Know?

They hunt by sight rather than scent trails, pouncing on prey with a rapid leaping strike like a miniature predator.