Black Imported Fire Ant vs White Morpho

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Imported Fire Ant White Morpho
Scientific Name Solenopsis richteri Morpho polyphemus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Nymphalidae
Size 2-6 mm 100-130 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Seed Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions South America, Southeastern United States Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Black Imported Fire Ant

A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.

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Did You Know?

They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.

White Morpho

A large pearly white morpho butterfly with subtle iridescent sheen on its broad wings. It has a slower, more gliding flight than its blue relatives.

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Did You Know?

Unlike the vivid blue morphos, this species uses its pale coloring to blend with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.