Four-barred Swordtail vs Winter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-barred Swordtail Winter Ant
Scientific Name Protographium leosthenes Prenolepis imparis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Formicidae
Size 6-7 cm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, Papua New Guinea North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Four-barred Swordtail

A distinctive swallowtail with translucent wings crossed by four dark bars and a long sword-like tail. It has a rapid, darting flight pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly transparent wings make it extremely difficult to spot in dappled rainforest light.

Winter Ant

A small brown ant unique for being most active during cold months when other ants are dormant. Replete workers store liquid food in distended abdomens for the colony.

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Did You Know?

They hold their nuptial flights in late winter or early spring, sometimes walking over snow to mate.