Common Tree Nymph vs Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Tree Nymph | Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Idea stolli | Malacosoma disstria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Lasiocampidae |
| Size | 130-170 mm wingspan | 25–35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Borneo, Sulawesi, Philippines, Maluku) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Common Tree Nymph
A very large butterfly with translucent white wings heavily veined and spotted in black. It flies with a slow, lazy, paper-kite fluttering motion through the forest understory.
Did You Know?
Its slow, floating flight advertises its toxicity to predators - the caterpillars store alkaloids from their host plants that persist into adulthood.
Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
A widespread North American moth whose caterpillars defoliate vast areas of hardwood forest. Despite the name, they form silken mats rather than true tents.
Did You Know?
Outbreaks can defoliate millions of hectares of forest, though healthy trees usually recover with new leaves.