Chimera Birdwing vs Pine Shoot Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chimera Birdwing | Pine Shoot Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithoptera chimaera | Rhyacionia buoliana |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Tortricidae |
| Size | 140-190 mm wingspan | 18-24 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (Papua New Guinea - highlands) | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Chimera Birdwing
A large montane birdwing butterfly found in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. It occurs at elevations between 1200 and 2000 metres, higher than most other birdwings. Males have bright green and gold markings on black wings.
Did You Know?
Named after the chimera of Greek mythology, this butterfly's iridescent wing colours shift dramatically depending on the angle of light.
Pine Shoot Moth
A small bright orange moth with silver-grey crosslines on the forewings. Its larvae bore into the terminal shoots of young pine trees, causing deformity.
Did You Know?
Attacked trees develop a characteristic 'posthorn' bend from the distorted leader shoot.