Cynthia Moth vs Feathered Thorn
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cynthia Moth | Feathered Thorn |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Samia cynthia | Colotois pennaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 100-140 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Native to China and India; introduced to North America and Europe | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cynthia Moth
An olive and brown silk moth with distinctive white crescent marks and lilac shading on the wing margins. Originally from Asia, it was widely introduced for eri silk production.
Did You Know?
Feral populations became established in New York City in the 1800s, thriving on the abundant ailanthus trees.
Feathered Thorn
An autumn-flying moth with warm orange-brown wings and males bearing dramatically feathered antennae. It flies late in the year when few other moths are active.
Did You Know?
Males use their enormous feathered antennae to detect female pheromones on cold autumn nights.