Giant Trap-jaw Ant vs Achilles Morpho

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Trap-jaw Ant Achilles Morpho
Scientific Name Odontomachus hastatus Morpho achilles
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Nymphalidae
Size 12-16 mm 95-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions South America Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Trap-jaw Ant

One of the largest trap-jaw ant species, building arboreal carton nests in tropical forests. Its elongated mandibles are held open at 180 degrees and triggered by sensory hairs.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most trap-jaw ants that nest on the ground, this species builds paper-like nests high in the forest canopy.

Achilles Morpho

A medium-sized morpho with a bright blue band across dark brown-black wings. It flies rapidly through the forest understory in a distinctive bobbing pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its blue band appears to flash on and off as it flies, because the brown undersides show with each wingbeat.