African Emperor Moth vs Giant Willow Cossid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Emperor Moth Giant Willow Cossid
Scientific Name Bunaea caffraria Endoxyla cinereus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Cossidae
Size 80-120 mm 150–230 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions Southern and East Africa Australia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

African Emperor Moth

A large African saturniid with warm brown wings bearing conspicuous eyespots edged in pink and black. Its massive spiny caterpillars are a common sight on savanna trees.

💡

Did You Know?

The caterpillars of Bunaea caffraria are gregarious when young, forming dense clusters on branches that can completely strip small trees of foliage.

Giant Willow Cossid

One of the heaviest moths in the world, native to Australia. Larvae bore into the trunks of eucalyptus and other hardwood trees.

💡

Did You Know?

Female moths can weigh over 30 grams, making them among the heaviest insects in the world.