Hawaiian Big-headed Ant vs Polyphemus Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawaiian Big-headed Ant Polyphemus Moth
Scientific Name Pheidole megacephala Antheraea polyphemus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Saturniidae
Size 2-4 mm Wingspan 100-150mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Herbivores
Regions Hawaii, Pacific Islands North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Hawaiian Big-headed Ant

An invasive ant now widespread in Hawaii with a disproportionately large head in the soldier caste. It displaces native insects throughout the islands.

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Did You Know?

It is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN.

Polyphemus Moth

A large tan moth with prominent purple-ringed eyespots on its hindwings. It is named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology.

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Did You Know?

A single caterpillar can eat 86000 times its weight in food in the two months before it pupates.