Chinese Windmill vs Platter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Windmill Platter Ant
Scientific Name Atrophaneura alcinous Cataulacus intrudens
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Formicidae
Size Wingspan 75-100mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Asia West and Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chinese Windmill

A dark swallowtail butterfly with crimson patches on the hindwings and a slow fluttering flight. The body is red indicating toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its slow fluttering flight resembles a windmill and advertises its toxicity acquired from poisonous aristolochia plants.

Platter Ant

An arboreal African ant with a heavily armored, flattened body and sculptured cuticle. Workers have a broad, shield-like head that can be used to block nest entrances. They nest in tree holes and have a slow, deliberate gait.

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Did You Know?

Their flattened body and strong tarsal grip allow them to resist removal by predators by clamping flat against bark surfaces.