Brazilian Thorn Moth vs Long-horned Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brazilian Thorn Moth Long-horned Bee
Scientific Name Cyanopepla huillensis Eucera longicornis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Erebidae Apidae
Size 35-50 mm wingspan 13-16 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Brazilian Thorn Moth

A day-flying moth with brilliant metallic blue forewings and bright red or orange hindwings, warning predators of its toxicity. It mimics various toxic butterflies and wasps. Despite being a moth, it is active during daylight hours and visits flowers for nectar.

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Did You Know?

It is one of many day-flying moths in the Neotropics that are frequently mistaken for butterflies due to their bright colors and diurnal habits.

Long-horned Bee

Males are unmistakable with their extraordinarily long antennae, nearly as long as the body. It nests in the ground in warm, sunny grasslands.

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Did You Know?

The male's enormously long antennae are thought to help detect female pheromones at greater distances.