Comet Moth vs Imported Cabbageworm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Comet Moth | Imported Cabbageworm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Argema mittrei | Pieris rapae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 200 mm wingspan, 150 mm tail | 45-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Imported Cabbageworm
A common white butterfly whose velvety green caterpillars are among the most familiar vegetable garden pests. Adults are the small white butterflies frequently seen fluttering over gardens.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a cabbageworm, it is actually a butterfly caterpillar, not a worm or moth larva.