Cynthia Moth vs Peppered Moth of New Zealand
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cynthia Moth | Peppered Moth of New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Samia cynthia | Cleora scriptaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 100-140 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Native to China and India; introduced to North America and Europe | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| 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.
Peppered Moth of New Zealand
An endemic New Zealand geometrid moth known as the kawakawa looper, whose caterpillars feed on kawakawa and other native plants. The caterpillars are expert twig mimics, holding themselves rigid at an angle from the branch. Adults have speckled grey wings.
Did You Know?
The kawakawa looper caterpillar is such an effective twig mimic that it can be almost impossible to detect on a branch, even when you know it is there.