Swamp Metalmark vs Army Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swamp Metalmark | Army Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Calephelis mutica | Eciton burchellii |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 3-12 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Upper Midwest United States, Great Lakes region | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened; extremely local | Least Concern |
Swamp Metalmark
A rare and localized metalmark butterfly of midwestern wetlands with warm rusty-brown wings marked with fine metallic lines. It has very specific habitat requirements.
Did You Know?
Some populations consist of fewer than 50 individuals, making it one of North America's most vulnerable butterflies.
Army Ant
Nomadic ants that do not build permanent nests. Raids of up to 200,000 workers sweep through the forest floor consuming everything in their path. Workers link bodies to form living bridges.
Did You Know?
Army ants build living structures from their own bodies — bridges, walls, and bivouacs made of 500,000 ants linked together, complete with climate-controlled nursery chambers inside.