Codling Moth vs Sonoran Silk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Codling Moth Sonoran Silk Moth
Scientific Name Cydia pomonella Sphingicampa hubbardi
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tortricidae Saturniidae
Size 14-22 mm wingspan 50-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Deserts & Drylands
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Worldwide (cosmopolitan) Arizona, Sonoran Desert of Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Codling Moth

A small grey-brown moth whose larvae are the proverbial worm in the apple. It is the most economically important pest of apples worldwide.

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Did You Know?

It was one of the first insects to develop resistance to DDT in the 1940s.

Sonoran Silk Moth

A small saturniid moth with warm pinkish-tan wings and minimal patterning. It is adapted to the harsh desert environment of the American Southwest.

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Did You Know?

Its cocoon is spun loosely among leaf litter and is uniquely adapted to survive extreme desert heat.