Edwards' Atlas Moth vs American Slave-Maker Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Edwards' Atlas Moth American Slave-Maker Ant
Scientific Name Attacus edwardsii Polyergus lucidus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Saturniidae Formicidae
Size 200-260 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Himalayas, from Pakistan to Myanmar Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Edwards' Atlas Moth

A massive Himalayan silk moth rivaling the atlas moth in size, with rich brown wings and large translucent fenestrae. It inhabits high-altitude forests across the Himalayas.

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Did You Know?

Attacus edwardsii was once considered the largest moth in the world before accurate measurements confirmed the atlas moth's slightly greater wing area.

American Slave-Maker Ant

A North American slave-making ant that conducts well-organized raids on Formica colonies. New queens infiltrate host colonies by killing the resident queen.

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Did You Know?

During raids, they release propaganda pheromones that cause defending ants to flee or fight each other instead of the raiders.