Comet Moth vs Arctic Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Comet Moth | Arctic Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Argema mittrei | Grammia quenseli |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 200 mm wingspan, 150 mm tail | 34-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Africa | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Comet Moth
One of the worlds largest silk moths, with brilliant yellow wings and tail spans reaching 20 cm. Endemic to Madagascar. Males have longer tails than females.
Did You Know?
The comet moths spectacular 15-20 cm tail is the longest of any moth — and like the luna moth, it likely evolved to confuse bat echolocation.
Arctic Tiger Moth
A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.