Cactoblastis Moth vs Cone Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cactoblastis Moth | Cone Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cactoblastis cactorum | Dorymyrmex insanus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pyralidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 27-35 mm wingspan | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Southern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cactoblastis Moth
Originally from South America, this moth was introduced to Australia in 1926 as a biological control agent against invasive prickly pear cactus. It is celebrated as one of the most successful biocontrol programmes in history.
Did You Know?
A memorial hall was built in Boonarga, Queensland, in honour of this moth for saving millions of hectares of farmland.
Cone Ant
A fast-moving reddish-brown ant that builds distinctive cone-shaped crater nests in sandy soil. It is a common competitor with fire ants in open habitats of the southern United States.
Did You Know?
They are one of the few native ant species that can successfully compete with invasive fire ants for territory.