Thistledown Velvet Ant vs Zodiac Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thistledown Velvet Ant | Zodiac Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasymutilla gloriosa | Alcides metaurus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Uraniidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 8-10 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southwestern United States from California to Texas | Australia, Papua New Guinea |
| 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.
Zodiac Moth
A spectacular day-flying moth with iridescent green and black wings resembling a swallowtail butterfly. It migrates in large numbers through north Queensland rainforests.
Did You Know?
Its brilliant green wing color is produced by microscopic light-refracting structures, not pigment.