Juniper Hairstreak vs Asian Needle Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Juniper Hairstreak | Asian Needle Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Callophrys gryneus | Brachyponera chinensis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 22-30 mm wingspan | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern and central United States wherever red cedar grows | East Asia, Eastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Juniper Hairstreak
A small green hairstreak butterfly with intricate white line patterns on its hindwing underside. Its bright green underside provides camouflage among cedar foliage.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillar perfectly matches the green of cedar foliage and is nearly impossible to spot among the needles.
Asian Needle Ant
An invasive East Asian ant spreading through the southeastern US. Its sting causes anaphylaxis more frequently than native stinging ants.
Did You Know?
It displaces native ant species including fire ants and Argentine ants in invaded habitats.