Common Water Penny vs Hercules Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Water Penny | Hercules Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psephenus herricki | Coscinocera hercules |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Psephenidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm (adults); 6-10 mm (larvae) | 270 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Water Penny
A small aquatic beetle whose larvae are flattened and round like a copper penny, clinging to rocks in fast streams. Adults are terrestrial and short-lived.
Did You Know?
Larvae are so flat they can cling to rocks in torrential currents that would wash away most other insects.
Hercules Moth
Has the largest wing area of any moth — up to 300 square centimeters. Named after Hercules for its great size. Adults live only about two weeks and do not eat.
Did You Know?
The Hercules moth has the largest wing surface area of any insect on Earth — its wings can cover an area larger than an open human hand.