Panda Ant vs Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Panda Ant | Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euspinolia militaris | Lycaena salustius |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 20-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Panda Ant
Not actually an ant but a wingless wasp. Named for its black and white panda-like coloring. Females have an extremely painful sting despite their cute appearance.
Did You Know?
Despite its adorable panda-like markings, this insect delivers one of the most painful stings of any velvet wasp — Chilean locals call it the killer ant.
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)
New Zealand's most common endemic butterfly, a small copper-coloured species found in open habitats throughout the country. Males are bright coppery-orange above while females are duller with more dark markings. Larvae feed on native Muehlenbeckia vines.
Did You Know?
The common copper is the only representative of the family Lycaenidae native to New Zealand.