Brazilian Thorn Moth vs Ringed China-mark Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brazilian Thorn Moth Ringed China-mark Moth
Scientific Name Cyanopepla huillensis Parapoynx stratiotata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Crambidae
Size 35-50 mm wingspan 24-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay) Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Ringed China-mark Moth

A pretty white moth with brown ringed markings, closely associated with aquatic habitats. Its caterpillars are fully aquatic with functional gills.

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Did You Know?

The larvae breathe underwater using gill-like filaments along their abdomen.