African Wild Silk Moth vs Nettle-tree Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Wild Silk Moth | Nettle-tree Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gonometa postica | Libythea celtis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lasiocampidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm wingspan | Wingspan 40-50mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia) | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Wild Silk Moth
A medium-sized brown moth whose caterpillars spin tough, golden silk cocoons on Acacia branches. It has been investigated as a source of commercial wild silk in East Africa.
Did You Know?
Its silk is being developed as a sustainable textile, and wild harvesting of cocoons provides income for rural communities in East Africa.
Nettle-tree Butterfly
A medium butterfly with angular wings and an extremely long snout formed by elongated palps. Its wings are dark brown with orange patches.
Did You Know?
Its elongated palps give it the longest snout of any European butterfly making it instantly recognizable.