Black Cutworm vs African Stink Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Cutworm | African Stink Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agrotis ipsilon | Paltothyreus tarsatus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 40-55 mm wingspan | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Indoors |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Black Cutworm
A dull brown moth whose soil-dwelling caterpillars sever young seedlings at ground level during the night. It is a cosmopolitan pest that migrates long distances.
Did You Know?
Cutworm caterpillars curl into a C-shape when disturbed, a diagnostic behavior for identifying them in soil.
African Stink Ant
A very large black ponerine ant that releases a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed. It is one of Africa's most conspicuous ground-dwelling ants with a powerful sting.
Did You Know?
Its defensive odor is so pungent it can be smelled by humans from over a meter away.