Chestnut Gall Wasp vs Atlas Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chestnut Gall Wasp Atlas Moth
Scientific Name Dryocosmus kuriphilus Attacus atlas
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cynipidae Saturniidae
Size 2.5–3 mm 250-300 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions East Asia, Europe, North America Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Chestnut Gall Wasp

An invasive gall wasp from China that is the most damaging pest of chestnut trees worldwide. It induces galls on buds and leaves, reducing nut yields.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely through parthenogenesis; no males have ever been found in any population.

Atlas Moth

One of the largest moths in the world by wing area. Adults have no mouths and do not eat, living only 1-2 weeks on stored fat. Wing tips mimic snake heads.

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Did You Know?

The atlas moth has no mouth — as an adult, it cannot eat. It survives entirely on fat stored during its caterpillar stage, living just long enough to mate.