Buck Moth vs Spotted Flower Chafer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buck Moth | Spotted Flower Chafer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemileuca maia | Protaetia morio |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 50-75 mm wingspan | 15-22mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, Africa |
| 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.
Spotted Flower Chafer
A matt black scarab beetle with scattered white spots on its elytra. It feeds on flowers and ripe fruit in Mediterranean regions.
Did You Know?
Unlike most flower chafers this species has a dark non-metallic coloration which is unusual for the group.