Black Web Spinner vs Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Web Spinner Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Oligembia nigricans Lobobunaea phaedusa
Order Embioptera Lepidoptera
Family Oligotomidae Saturniidae
Size 6.0-9.0 mm 90-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Africa, Asia Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Congo)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Black Web Spinner

A small dark web spinner found in arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa. It builds silk tunnels under rocks in dry environments.

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Did You Know?

This species thrives in remarkably dry habitats where few other web spinner species can survive.

Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth

A large saturniid moth with rich brown and reddish-purple wings bearing prominent eye-spots. The caterpillars are spectacularly spined and brightly colored. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on energy stored during the larval stage.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars have stinging spines that can cause severe skin irritation, protecting them from most predators.