Sri Lankan Relict Ant vs Red-bordered Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sri Lankan Relict Ant Red-bordered Metalmark
Scientific Name Aneuretus simoni Caria ino
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Aneuretidae Riodinidae
Size 3-4 mm 28-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Sri Lanka South Texas through Mexico and Central America
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.

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Did You Know?

The only living species in its entire subfamily, all other members went extinct millions of years ago.

Red-bordered Metalmark

A dark metalmark butterfly with bright red-orange borders along the wing edges and metallic blue-green scaling at the wing bases. It perches with wings spread flat.

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Did You Know?

Males are fiercely territorial, perching on sunlit leaf surfaces and darting out at any passing insect.