Buck Moth vs Demon Charaxes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buck Moth | Demon Charaxes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemileuca maia | Charaxes lucretius |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 50-75 mm wingspan | 70-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Buck Moth
A day-flying black and white moth with a red-tipped abdomen that appears in autumn. Its spiny caterpillar delivers a painful venomous sting that causes welts and swelling.
Did You Know?
In New Orleans, falling caterpillars are a seasonal hazard, prompting public health warnings each spring.
Demon Charaxes
A large forest Charaxes with deep black upperside marked with blue iridescence in males. Females are larger and browner. The underside has intricate leaf-like patterning providing excellent camouflage.
Did You Know?
When resting with wings closed, this butterfly is almost invisible against the bark of forest trees thanks to its cryptic underside.