Common Swift Moth vs Lesser Citronella Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Swift Moth Lesser Citronella Ant
Scientific Name Korscheltellus lupulina Lasius claviger
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Hepialidae Formicidae
Size 25-38 mm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Gardens Orchards
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Swift Moth

A small brownish moth with faint white streaks that emerges in large numbers in early summer evenings. Its underground larvae are a pest of lawns, crops, and garden plants.

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Did You Know?

Females scatter eggs randomly in flight, letting them fall into grass rather than placing them on specific plants.

Lesser Citronella Ant

A small yellow subterranean ant closely related to the larger citronella ant. It produces a citrus scent and lives in deep soil nests tending root aphids.

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Did You Know?

Citronella ants are obligate herders whose survival depends entirely on their symbiotic relationship with underground aphids.