Cynthia Moth vs Italian Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cynthia Moth Italian Snakefly
Scientific Name Samia cynthia Subilla confinis
Order Lepidoptera Raphidioptera
Family Saturniidae Raphidiidae
Size 100-140 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Native to China and India; introduced to North America and Europe Southern Europe, Mediterranean region
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.

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Did You Know?

Feral populations became established in New York City in the 1800s, thriving on the abundant ailanthus trees.

Italian Snakefly

A Mediterranean snakefly found in warm woodlands of southern Europe. It is associated with pine and oak forests where larvae develop under loose bark.

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Did You Know?

Mediterranean snakeflies are adapted to warmer climates than most of their relatives and can tolerate drier conditions.