Common Quaker vs Pine Emperor Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Quaker Pine Emperor Moth
Scientific Name Orthosia cerasi Imbrasia cytherea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Saturniidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 100-140 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Quaker

A drab but very common spring moth attracted to sallow blossom. Variable brown coloring. Named 'quaker' for its plain, modest appearance. Larvae feed on many deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

Named 'Quaker' because its plain brown appearance was compared to the modest dress of the Quaker community.

Pine Emperor Moth

A large South African emperor moth with brown and cream banded wings. Its caterpillars can become significant defoliators of pine plantations in southern Africa.

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Did You Know?

Pine emperor moth caterpillars occasionally undergo population explosions that can completely defoliate large areas of commercial pine plantation.