Thistledown Velvet Ant vs Glandon Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thistledown Velvet Ant | Glandon Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasymutilla gloriosa | Agriades glandon |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 20-26 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southwestern United States from California to Texas | Alps, Pyrenees, Rocky Mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Thistledown Velvet Ant
A strikingly beautiful velvet ant covered in long white hair that resembles a piece of thistledown blowing across desert sand. The wingless females are a remarkable mimic of windblown plant material.
Did You Know?
Its white fluffy appearance camouflages it among the creosote seed pods and dried plant debris of its desert habitat.
Glandon Blue
A tiny high-altitude blue butterfly with distinctive underside spotting. It flies close to the ground in exposed alpine habitats.
Did You Know?
It has been recorded flying at over 3600 meters in the Alps.