Triplaris Ant vs Buff Arches

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Triplaris Ant Buff Arches
Scientific Name Pseudomyrmex triplarinus Habrosyne pyritoides
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Drepanidae
Size 4-7 mm 38-43 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South America, Amazon Basin Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Triplaris Ant

A South American ant that inhabits the hollow stems of Triplaris trees in a mutualistic relationship. Workers swarm out and deliver painful stings when the host tree is disturbed.

💡

Did You Know?

Local people call Triplaris the 'devil tree' because touching it triggers an immediate attack by hundreds of stinging ants.

Buff Arches

A moth with intricate grey, white, and buff patterns creating a complex marbled effect on its forewings. It is closely related to the peach blossom and shares its bramble association.

💡

Did You Know?

Its wing pattern is so complex that no simple description captures it, leading some to call it 'baroque'.