Australian Mantidfly vs Processionary Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Mantidfly Processionary Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Campion australis Ochrogaster lunifer
Order Neuroptera Lepidoptera
Family Mantispidae Notodontidae
Size 16-24 mm wingspan 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Australia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Mantidfly

An Australian mantidfly found in eucalyptus forests and dry woodland. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights at night.

💡

Did You Know?

It is the most commonly recorded mantidfly species in southeastern Australian light-trap studies.

Processionary Caterpillar Moth

A moth whose caterpillars are famous for travelling in long, nose-to-tail processions through the Australian bush. The larvae are covered in irritating hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans.

💡

Did You Know?

Processions of caterpillars can stretch for metres and contain hundreds of individuals following a silk trail left by the leader.