African Armyworm vs Cuban Clear-winged Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Armyworm Cuban Clear-winged Moth
Scientific Name Spodoptera exempta Carmenta bassiformis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Sesiidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 20-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania Cuba
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

African Armyworm

A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.

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Did You Know?

A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.

Cuban Clear-winged Moth

A wasp-mimicking moth found in Cuba with transparent wings. Its narrow body and buzzing flight closely resemble a small wasp.

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Did You Know?

Its near-perfect wasp mimicry deters birds and other visual predators.