Sri Lankan Relict Ant vs Puriri Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sri Lankan Relict Ant | Puriri Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aneuretus simoni | Aenetus virescens |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Aneuretidae | Hepialidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 100-150 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Sri Lanka | Oceania (New Zealand - North Island) |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Sri Lankan Relict Ant
The sole surviving member of its entire subfamily, known only from a few localities in Sri Lanka's rainforests. A true living fossil representing an ancient ant lineage.
Did You Know?
The only living species in its entire subfamily, all other members went extinct millions of years ago.
Puriri Moth
New Zealand's largest moth, with a wingspan up to 150 mm. The caterpillars bore into the trunks of native trees, particularly puriri and putaputaweta, creating characteristic U-shaped tunnels. Adults have no functional mouthparts and do not feed.
Did You Know?
Puriri moth larvae can spend up to six years boring through living tree trunks before pupating and emerging as adults that live only a few days.