Clouded Apollo vs Brazilian Thorn Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clouded Apollo Brazilian Thorn Moth
Scientific Name Parnassius mnemosyne Cyanopepla huillensis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Erebidae
Size 52-62 mm wingspan 35-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Clouded Apollo

A delicate, semi-translucent white butterfly with dark wing veins and small dark spots. It flies slowly through woodland clearings in late spring.

💡

Did You Know?

Its translucent wings lack the typical scales found on most butterflies, giving them a ghostly appearance.

Brazilian Thorn Moth

A day-flying moth with brilliant metallic blue forewings and bright red or orange hindwings, warning predators of its toxicity. It mimics various toxic butterflies and wasps. Despite being a moth, it is active during daylight hours and visits flowers for nectar.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of many day-flying moths in the Neotropics that are frequently mistaken for butterflies due to their bright colors and diurnal habits.