Acraea Butterfly vs Processionary Caterpillar Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Acraea Butterfly | Processionary Caterpillar Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acraea acerata | Ochrogaster lunifer |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Notodontidae |
| Size | 45-60 mm wingspan | 35-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Acraea Butterfly
A medium-sized butterfly with translucent orange wings and dark veins, giving it a delicate, window-like appearance. It is toxic and part of a large mimicry ring in East Africa.
Did You Know?
It is a significant pest of sweet potato crops in East Africa, with larvae sometimes completely defoliating plants.
Processionary Caterpillar Moth
A moth whose caterpillars are famous for travelling in long, nose-to-tail processions through the Australian bush. The larvae are covered in irritating hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans.
Did You Know?
Processions of caterpillars can stretch for metres and contain hundreds of individuals following a silk trail left by the leader.