Bush Giant Dragonfly vs Casemaking Clothes Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bush Giant Dragonfly Casemaking Clothes Moth
Scientific Name Uropetala carovei Tinea pellionella
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Petaluridae Tineidae
Size 80-90 mm body length, 130 mm wingspan 10-15 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) Cosmopolitan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bush Giant Dragonfly

New Zealand's largest dragonfly and one of the most ancient dragonfly lineages in the world. Its larvae live in burrows in muddy seepages in native bush for several years. Adults patrol forest clearings and can be heard before they are seen due to their loud wing noise.

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Did You Know?

The larvae dig burrows in muddy hillsides and ambush prey from the entrance, spending up to seven years underground before emerging as adults.

Casemaking Clothes Moth

A small silvery-brown moth whose larva constructs a portable silken case that it drags along as it feeds. It is a significant pest of furs, woolens, and museum specimens.

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Did You Know?

The larva never leaves its portable case, enlarging it as it grows by adding fibers from whatever material it is eating.