Chinese Moon Moth vs Apple Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Moon Moth Apple Caddis
Scientific Name Actias dubernardi Brachycentrus appalachia
Order Lepidoptera Trichoptera
Family Saturniidae Brachycentridae
Size 90-120 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chinese Moon Moth

A rare and exquisitely beautiful moon moth with pink-tinged green wings and extraordinarily long, curling hindwing tails. Males are more deeply pink-washed than the green females.

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Did You Know?

Actias dubernardi is one of the only moon moths whose larvae feed on conifers rather than broadleaf trees, an unusual dietary specialization.

Apple Caddis

A caddisfly of Appalachian streams that builds tapered square cases from plant material. Larvae orient their cases facing into the current for filter feeding.

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Did You Know?

The square cross-section of the case is thought to reduce drag in fast currents.