White-Lined Sphinx Moth vs Winter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-Lined Sphinx Moth Winter Ant
Scientific Name Hyles lineata Prenolepis imparis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Sphingidae Formicidae
Size 65-90 mm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Throughout North America from Canada to Central America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White-Lined Sphinx Moth

A common sphinx moth with bold white stripes on its forewings and a pink-banded hindwing. It hovers at flowers like a hummingbird and is active at dusk.

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Did You Know?

During outbreak years, its caterpillars can be so numerous they cross roads in large numbers and are called armyworms.

Winter Ant

A small brown ant unique for being most active during cold months when other ants are dormant. Replete workers store liquid food in distended abdomens for the colony.

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Did You Know?

They hold their nuptial flights in late winter or early spring, sometimes walking over snow to mate.