Common Birdwing vs Mediterranean Flour Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Birdwing | Mediterranean Flour Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Troides helena | Ephestia kuehniella |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Pyralidae |
| Size | Wingspan 140-190mm | 10-14 mm body; 20-25 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Indoors |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Asia | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Birdwing
A large birdwing butterfly with velvety black forewings and bright golden-yellow hindwings in males. Females are larger and browner.
Did You Know?
Despite being common it is listed under CITES Appendix II which regulates its international trade.
Mediterranean Flour Moth
A major pest of flour mills that produces dense silken webbing that clogs milling machinery. It is pale grey with zigzag markings on the forewings.
Did You Know?
It was the first insect used to demonstrate biological pest control with parasitoid wasps in the early 1900s.