Hornet Moth vs Lesser Bullet Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hornet Moth Lesser Bullet Ant
Scientific Name Sesia apiformis Neoponera villosa
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Sesiidae Formicidae
Size 33-48 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Southern United States, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hornet Moth

A clearwing moth that is a near-perfect mimic of the European hornet.

💡

Did You Know?

It even buzzes and moves its abdomen like a hornet when disturbed.

Lesser Bullet Ant

A large black ponerine ant found from Texas through South America with a powerful sting. It nests in tree hollows and dead wood, foraging arboreally at night.

💡

Did You Know?

It is sometimes called the 'false bullet ant' because its sting, while very painful, is less severe than that of Paraponera.