Australian Plague Locust vs Processionary Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Plague Locust Processionary Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Chortoicetes terminifera Ochrogaster lunifer
Order Orthoptera Lepidoptera
Family Acrididae Notodontidae
Size 25-40 mm 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Plague Locust

Australia's most economically damaging locust species. It has a distinctive dark spot at the tip of each hindwing.

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Did You Know?

The Australian Plague Locust Commission uses satellite imagery and predictive modeling to track and control outbreaks across the continent.

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.

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Did You Know?

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