Cromwell Chafer Beetle vs Sycamore Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cromwell Chafer Beetle Sycamore Moth
Scientific Name Prodontria lewisii Acronicta aceris
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Noctuidae
Size 1-1.5 cm Wingspan 35-45mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions New Zealand Europe, Asia
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Cromwell Chafer Beetle

A small chafer beetle endemic to a tiny area near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. Adults are nocturnal and feed on native grasses.

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Did You Know?

Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.

Sycamore Moth

A plain grey moth whose caterpillar is spectacular with white tufts and bright orange and yellow hair patches.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar is one of the most colorful in Europe with dense white hairs and bright orange-yellow tufts.