Odorous House Ant vs Buck Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Odorous House Ant | Buck Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tapinoma sessile | Hemileuca maia |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 2.5-3 mm | 50-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Indoors | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Odorous House Ant
A small dark brown ant that emits a distinctive rotten coconut smell when crushed. It is one of the most common household pest ants in North America.
Did You Know?
The smell produced when crushed is caused by methyl ketones, the same compounds found in blue cheese.
Buck Moth
A day-flying black and white moth with a red-tipped abdomen that appears in autumn. Its spiny caterpillar delivers a painful venomous sting that causes welts and swelling.
Did You Know?
In New Orleans, falling caterpillars are a seasonal hazard, prompting public health warnings each spring.