Carpenterworm Moth vs Giant Ponerine Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Carpenterworm Moth Giant Ponerine Ant
Scientific Name Prionoxystus robiniae Pachycondyla crassinoda
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cossidae Formicidae
Size 40–75 mm wingspan 14-20 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions North America West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Carpenterworm Moth

A large North American moth whose larvae bore into the heartwood of oaks, elms, and other hardwoods. It is the most destructive wood-boring moth in eastern forests.

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Did You Know?

Larvae create tunnels up to 25 mm wide and take three to four years to complete development.

Giant Ponerine Ant

A very large black predatory ant of African tropical forests with powerful mandibles and a painful sting. Solitary foragers hunt large prey items on the forest floor.

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Did You Know?

Workers hunt alone and can subdue prey many times their own size using their potent sting.