Golden Birdwing vs Rock Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Birdwing Rock Ant
Scientific Name Troides aeacus Temnothorax rugatulus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Formicidae
Size 140-170 mm wingspan 2-3 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions South and Southeast Asia, southern China Western United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern; listed on CITES Appendix II Least Concern

Golden Birdwing

A large birdwing butterfly with velvety black forewings and brilliant golden-yellow hindwings. It is found across a wide range of Asian habitats from India to China.

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Did You Know?

Like all birdwings, it is protected under international trade law, and collecting wild specimens is illegal in most countries.

Rock Ant

A tiny dark ant that nests in rock crevices at high elevations in western North America. Colonies contain about 200 workers and exhibit collective decision-making. Workers are dark brown with rugose sculpture on the body.

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Did You Know?

Studies showed that about 40% of workers in a colony are consistently inactive, serving as a reserve labor force.