Bolas Spider Moth Mimic vs Halictid Stylops
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bolas Spider Moth Mimic | Halictid Stylops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Celaenia excavata | Stylops nassonowi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 1.5-3.0 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Bolas Spider Moth Mimic
An Australian moth whose eggs are so tough they resemble seeds and can survive passage through a bird digestive tract — potentially allowing bird-mediated dispersal over long distances.
Did You Know?
The eggs of this moth are so hard-shelled they can survive being eaten by a bird and pass through its digestive system intact — a unique form of insect dispersal.
Halictid Stylops
A twisted-wing parasite that targets sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Parasitized bees show altered behavior and suppressed reproduction.
Did You Know?
Parasitized bees are effectively castrated and their behavior changes so dramatically the phenomenon is called parasitic castration.