Nymphidium mantus vs African Armyworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nymphidium mantus African Armyworm
Scientific Name Nymphidium mantus Spodoptera exempta
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Riodinidae Noctuidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 28-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions South America Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Nymphidium mantus

White butterfly with dark wing edges resembling a tiny pierid. Caterpillars are tended by ants in a mutualistic relationship.

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Did You Know?

Larvae produce ant-attracting secretions and are guarded by aggressive ant colonies.

African Armyworm

A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.

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Did You Know?

A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.