Violet Dropwing vs Army Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Violet Dropwing Army Ant
Scientific Name Trithemis annulata Eciton burchellii
Order Odonata Hymenoptera
Family Libellulidae Formicidae
Size 32-38 mm 3-12 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Europe, Asia Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Violet Dropwing

A stunning dragonfly where mature males turn deep violet-purple with red wing veins. It is expanding its range northward into southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It has colonized southern Europe from Africa and continues to spread north as temperatures warm.

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.

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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.