Common Birdwing vs Corn Earworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Birdwing Corn Earworm
Scientific Name Troides helena Helicoverpa zea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Noctuidae
Size Wingspan 140-190mm 35-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Asia Americas
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Common Birdwing

A large birdwing butterfly with velvety black forewings and bright golden-yellow hindwings in males. Females are larger and browner.

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Did You Know?

Despite being common it is listed under CITES Appendix II which regulates its international trade.

Corn Earworm

A highly polyphagous moth whose caterpillars feed inside corn ears, tomato fruits, and cotton bolls. It is one of the costliest crop pests in the Americas.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars are cannibalistic, so usually only one survives per corn ear.