Pharaoh Ant vs Long-tailed Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pharaoh Ant Long-tailed Skipper
Scientific Name Monomorium pharaonis Urbanus proteus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Hesperiidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 43-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Indoors Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide (indoors) Southern United States through Central and South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Pharaoh Ant

A tiny tropical ant that has become a major indoor pest in heated buildings worldwide. Colonies reproduce by budding, making them extremely difficult to eradicate.

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Did You Know?

They are a serious pest in hospitals because they can transmit pathogens by entering IV lines, wounds, and sterile packaging.

Long-tailed Skipper

A striking skipper with iridescent blue-green body and wing bases and long tail-like projections on the hindwings. It is a strong flier and occasional migrant.

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Did You Know?

Known as the bean leaf roller because the caterpillar folds bean leaves into tubular shelters.