Dark Green Fritillary vs Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Green Fritillary | Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Speyeria aglaja | Dasymutilla occidentalis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dark Green Fritillary
A fast-flying fritillary with a powerful gliding flight over open grasslands. Its underside features large silver spots against a green-washed background.
Did You Know?
It is one of the fastest-flying European butterflies and rarely settles for long.
Velvet Ant
Not actually an ant but a wasp. Females are wingless and covered in dense, colorful hair. Known as "cow killers" for their extremely painful sting. Parasitize ground-nesting bees.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants have been called the most indestructible insects — their exoskeleton is so tough that entomological pins bend when trying to pierce them.