Small Copper vs Black and Gold Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Copper | Black and Gold Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena phlaeas | Dasymutilla nigripes |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 26-36 mm wingspan | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America | Central North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Copper
A vivid little butterfly with burnished copper-orange forewings spotted with black. It is feisty and territorial for its size, frequently chasing other butterflies from its perch.
Did You Know?
Rare aberrant individuals have blue spots on the hindwing and are prized by collectors.
Black and Gold Velvet Ant
A medium-sized velvet ant with golden-orange hair on the thorax contrasting with its black legs and abdomen. It is found across the central United States.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants can survive being stung by almost any predator due to their nearly impenetrable exoskeleton.