Slender Ant vs Golden Sun Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Slender Ant Golden Sun Moth
Scientific Name Myrmica scabrinodis Synemon plana
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Castniidae
Size 3.5-5 mm 3-4 cm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Seed Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Australia
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

Slender Ant

A medium-sized red-brown ant with coarsely sculptured cuticle, common in grasslands across Europe. Colonies are typically monogynous with a single queen. Workers forage close to the nest in tussock grass.

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Did You Know?

This species is an important host for the Dusky Large Blue butterfly in wetland habitats across Europe.

Golden Sun Moth

A day-flying moth with dull grey-brown forewings and brilliant orange-gold hindwings. It is critically threatened by the loss of native grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Larvae live underground feeding on grass roots for up to three years before emerging as adults that live only days.