Richmond Birdwing vs Thistledown Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Richmond Birdwing | Thistledown Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithoptera richmondia | Dasymutilla gloriosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 11-13 cm wingspan | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | Southwestern United States from California to Texas |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Richmond Birdwing
A large subtropical birdwing butterfly with green and black males and brown females. It is threatened by habitat loss and a toxic introduced vine.
Did You Know?
Larvae that accidentally feed on the invasive Dutchman's pipe vine are poisoned and die.
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.