Comet Moth vs Silver Birch Web-Spinning Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Comet Moth | Silver Birch Web-Spinning Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Argema mittrei | Pamphilius sylvaticus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Pamphiliidae |
| Size | 200 mm wingspan, 150 mm tail | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Africa | 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.
Silver Birch Web-Spinning Sawfly
A flat-bodied sawfly with long filiform antennae and a broad head. Larvae roll or fold birch leaves with silk and feed within the shelters.
Did You Know?
The flattened body shape of pamphiliid sawflies is an adaptation that allows adults to squeeze into tight spaces in leaf litter and bark crevices.