Tawny-edged Skipper vs Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tawny-edged Skipper | Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polites themistocles | Pseudomyrmex peperi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 20-27 mm wingspan | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and Central North America | Mexico, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tawny-edged Skipper
A small brown skipper with a warm orange-tawny leading edge on the forewing. It is one of the most common grass skippers in eastern North America but is easily overlooked.
Did You Know?
It is named after the ancient Athenian general Themistocles, following a tradition of naming skippers after classical figures.
Swollen-thorn Acacia Ant
An obligate acacia-ant mutualist that nests exclusively within the hollow thorns of Vachellia trees. Workers patrol the tree constantly, stinging any animal that contacts it.
Did You Know?
Acacia trees with these ant colonies grow significantly faster than uncolonized trees due to the ant's protection services.