African Armyworm vs Speckled Yellow

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Armyworm Speckled Yellow
Scientific Name Spodoptera exempta Pseudopanthera macularia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Geometridae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 26-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Speckled Yellow

A bright yellow day-flying moth with brown speckles across the wings. It flutters through woodland clearings and along shady lanes.

💡

Did You Know?

Its caterpillars feed on wood sage and dead-nettles, pupating in leaf litter over winter.