Amazonian Uranid Moth vs Spruce Budworm Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Amazonian Uranid Moth Spruce Budworm Parasite
Scientific Name Urania leilus Meteorus trachynotus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Uraniidae Braconidae
Size 70-90 mm wingspan 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Amazonian Uranid Moth

A day-flying moth with iridescent green, blue, and black bands on swallowtail-shaped wings. It undertakes massive seasonal migrations across the Amazon.

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Did You Know?

Millions migrate together across the Amazon when their larval host plants build up toxic defenses, forcing them to seek fresh stands.

Spruce Budworm Parasite

A small brown braconid wasp that is a key natural enemy of the spruce budworm in North American boreal forests. It suspends its cocoon on a silk thread from the host.

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Did You Know?

Its cocoon dangles from a silk thread like a tiny pendulum, which may protect it from ground-dwelling predators.