Carpenterworm Moth vs Green Grooved Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Carpenterworm Moth Green Grooved Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Prionoxystus robiniae Phanaeus difformis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Cossidae Scarabaeidae
Size 40–75 mm wingspan 11-18 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions North America Southeastern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Carpenterworm Moth

A large North American moth whose larvae bore into the heartwood of oaks, elms, and other hardwoods. It is the most destructive wood-boring moth in eastern forests.

💡

Did You Know?

Larvae create tunnels up to 25 mm wide and take three to four years to complete development.

Green Grooved Dung Beetle

A metallic green and copper tunneling dung beetle with a prominent male horn that is slightly offset to one side. The pronotum is smoothly convex and brilliantly iridescent. Found in southeastern North American forests.

💡

Did You Know?

The asymmetrical horn of the male is unique among North American Phanaeus species.