Saddleback Caterpillar Moth vs Velvet Tree Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saddleback Caterpillar Moth | Velvet Tree Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acharia stimulea | Liometopum occidentale |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Limacodidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 26-35 mm wingspan | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Saddleback Caterpillar Moth
A dark brown moth best known for its extraordinary caterpillar, which is bright green with a brown saddle-shaped marking and venomous spines. The sting causes intense burning pain.
Did You Know?
Its sting is among the most painful of any North American caterpillar and can cause nausea in sensitive individuals.
Velvet Tree Ant
A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.
Did You Know?
Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.